Autoblog

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[This is why the X Games should come to Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos

Recently, ESPN announced the finalists for cities eligible to host the 2014 Summer X Games, with Detroit, MI - my hometown and current place of residence - making the list. And despite the naysayers that give my city a really bad rap (quite literally, actually, since I'm sure many of you have heard about how it's "So Cold" here), there's good reason for Detroit to host the annual competition. Want proof? Check out the full five-and-a-half-minute-long video posted below.

ESPN had originally stated that "Detroit has been the most vociferous in its desire to host the games," and the video here provides some damn good high-res proof. Check out the rally-spec Ford Fiesta as it spins around the Cobo Hall roof parking deck and races along Woodward Avenue through the Campus Martius area. Or watch as folks on motorcycles and pedal-bikes jump and race through the gritty, gorgeous ruin porn of the historic Packard Plant, even backing-up traffic on the M-10 freeway for stunts and lining up in parade-like fashion along Cass Avenue.

I'm sure the other finalist cities - Chicago, IL; Austin, TX; and Charlotte, NC - all have plenty of credibility. But I dare you to watch the video below and not get at least a little excited about the possibility of the Motor City hosting the 2014 Summer X Games.

Continue reading This is why the X Games should come to Detroit

This is why the X Games should come to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20562571 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xgames_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xgames.jpg <![CDATA[X Games announces finalists to host Summer 2014 event [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/x-games-announces-finalists-to-host-summer-2014-event-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/x-games-announces-finalists-to-host-summer-2014-event-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/x-games-announces-finalists-to-host-summer-2014-event-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Celebrities

X Games rally

It's the end of an era. The Summer X Games have been held in and around downtown Los Angeles for more than 10 years, but the summer of 2013 will be the last appearance for the foreseeable future of the X Games in The City of Angels. For those keeping track, the X Games first took place in Rhode Island, followed by San Diego and San Francisco and then finally Philadelphia before finding a semi-permanent home in LA.

So, where will the Summer X Games be in 2014? That has yet to be decided, with ESPN (which runs the event) announcing a list of potential locations: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Austin, TX; and Charlotte, NC. Whichever city wins will get a contract with the X Games for three years, meaning there may be another host city in 2017.

According to ESPN, "Detroit has been the most vociferous in its desire to host the games." We'd love to see X Games in Detroit, not that we have any sway over the decision, and you're welcome to watch a teaser video from some Detroit X Games backers down below.

Continue reading X Games announces finalists to host Summer 2014 event [w/video]

X Games announces finalists to host Summer 2014 event [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20556345 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/x-games-exit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/x-games-exit.jpg <![CDATA[Ford reveals Fiesta ST race car, points at road ahead for bigger things in Global RallyCross]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/ford-reveals-fiesta-st-race-car-points-at-road-ahead-for-bigger/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/ford-reveals-fiesta-st-race-car-points-at-road-ahead-for-bigger/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/ford-reveals-fiesta-st-race-car-points-at-road-ahead-for-bigger/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

2014 Ford Fiesta ST race car - front three-quarter view

The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST doesn't go on sale until this summer, but fans of Global RallyCross will be able to catch the car in action before then. Announced ahead of the Chicago Auto Show, the Fiesta ST will be the car run by Ford GRC teams this season, and the model on display in Chicago will be the racecar built by Swedish tuner OlsbergsMSE driven by Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan. Ken Block and his newly renamed Hoonigan Racing Division will also be competing in the Fiesta ST.

The 2013 GRC season has not been announced yet, but the venues will also include the summer X Games events in Brazil, Spain, Germany and, of course, Los Angeles. Ford announced that it will be the sole automotive sponsor of this year's summer X Games, and it will be looking to bring home a gold medal this year after Block placed silver last year.

In other Ken Block- and Ford-related news, another Chicago debut will be a tuned Focus ST called the TrackSTer project. Built in cooperation with Block, Ford and automotive tuner fifteen52, the TrackSTer will get plenty of styling, performance and handling upgrades. Some of the add-ons include a performance exhaust and short-throw shifter from Ford Racing, a rebuilt engine, upgraded components such as the limited-slip differential, intercooler, engine controller and clutch as well as upgraded brakes.

Scroll down for press releases on both the GRC Fiesta ST and the TrackSTer project.

Continue reading Ford reveals Fiesta ST race car, points at road ahead for bigger things in Global RallyCross

Ford reveals Fiesta ST race car, points at road ahead for bigger things in Global RallyCross originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford fiesta st2014 ford focus stchicagochicago 2013Chicago Auto Showfiestafiesta stfifteen52focusfocus stfordford racingglobal rallycrossken blockproject trackstertanner foustx gamesWed, 06 Feb 2013 10:31:00 EST

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20449562 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-grc-ford-fiesta-st-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-grc-ford-fiesta-st-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block rally cars go blue in the face (and everywhere else)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/ken-block-rally-cars-go-blue-in-the-face-and-everywhere-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/ken-block-rally-cars-go-blue-in-the-face-and-everywhere-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/ken-block-rally-cars-go-blue-in-the-face-and-everywhere-else/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Racing

Well at least we now know why Ken Block "just ain't care" about smashing up his Ford Fiesta rally car recently. It's because he's getting a full brand makeover including a new team name, new paint scheme and even a new headquarters. Formerly known as Monster World Rally Team, Block and his Fiesta will now be competing under the Hoonigan Racing Division name, which is based out of a new 12,000 square foot facility located in Park City, UT.

As you can tell in the image above, Hoonigan Racing will replace the familiar black, white and green paint scheme with a more colorful design featuring plenty of blue, purple and red; the Monster Energy logo retains some of the car's green. The new paint scheme was inspired by Block's love of skateboard graphics from the '80s and early '90s as well as "Miami Vice-era" speedboats.

Block will continue to compete in multiple rally racing series such as Global RallyCross, World Rally Championship and X Games. The new headquarters features office space on one side and a shop for the cars on the other side. The building features plenty of stuff you'd expect from a company designed around Ken Block, including a massive gaming station for racing video games, recycled shipping containers used throughout the facility and a black bear.

Block also hints at the next Gymkana on the Hoonigan Racing blog:

I can't comment too much on it at this point, but we're taking a very different approach to it for this year. That's all I'm going to say right now!"

So, we guess we'll be looking forward to that, then.

Ken Block rally cars go blue in the face (and everywhere else) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestafordhoonigan racing divisionken blockmonster world rally teamrallycrossworld rally championshipx gamesWed, 23 Jan 2013 18:39:00 EST

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20436863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ken-block-2013-ford-fiesta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ken-block-2013-ford-fiesta.jpg <![CDATA[Global RallyCross comes to Vegas with SEMA [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/global-rallycross-comes-to-vegas-with-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/global-rallycross-comes-to-vegas-with-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/global-rallycross-comes-to-vegas-with-sema/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Videos, Racing

Tanner Foust Global RallyCross Las Vegas

Global RallyCross is an interesting motorsport. Beginning in 2010 at the X Games, the series races on short tracks made partly of asphalt and partly of dirt, along with a signature variation called the Joker Lap, in which drivers are required to take an alternate, slightly longer route that generally incorporates a 70-foot gap jump.

The final event for the 2012 season took place just across the street from the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and those of us covering the event for Autoblog scored a birds-eye view of the track from our hotel rooms. Fortunately for those who weren't able to attend, X Games decided to upload the entire final to YouTube.

For those keeping track, Tanner Foust took the victory, clinching the Global RallyCross Championship for the second year in a row. The race had to be restarted after Ken Block's car started billowing ominous-looking black smoke from underhood.

If you're interested, GoPro stitched together a brief video reel of highlights, along with some skate footage from an empty pool, from driver Bucky Lasek. Both videos are available for your viewing pleasure down below.

UPDATE: We've also added a video from Driving Sports showing RallyCross action in slow motion.

Continue reading Global RallyCross comes to Vegas with SEMA [UPDATE]

Global RallyCross comes to Vegas with SEMA [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20369523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/foust-grc-vegas_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/foust-grc-vegas.jpg <![CDATA[X Games 18 RallyCross [w/videos] [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/x-games-18-rallycross-w-videos-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/x-games-18-rallycross-w-videos-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/x-games-18-rallycross-w-videos-spoilers/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

Citroen DS3 RallyCross

RallyCross is quickly becoming one of the X Games' most exciting events, with many of the most popular athletes flocking to four wheels in the past few years. For X Games 18 this past weekend, the lineup of drivers was the most impressive yet, with eight-time WRC champion Sebastien Loeb accepting Travis Pastrana's challenge to take on the rest of the field, not to mention European RallyCross champion Sverre Isachsen and skateboarder Bucky Lasek bolstering team Subaru.

Despite never having raced in X Games, let alone anywhere in North America, Loeb was undoubtedly the favorite going into the event. Yes, his specially built Citroën DS3 has significantly more horsepower than his standard rally car, but Loeb has also proven he is incredibly fast no matter what he is driving. The rest of the X Games field was full of experienced and capable drivers including two-time WRC champion Marcus Grönholm, Tanner Foust, Liam Doran and Rhys Millen. It's also hard to count out Brian Deegan, last year's gold medalist, and the always-entertaining Ken Block.

Could Sebastien Loeb translate his WRC success into inaugural X Games success, or did one of the other RallyCross drivers beat out the venerable Frenchman? Scroll down to find out.

Continue reading X Games 18 RallyCross [w/videos] [spoilers]

X Games 18 RallyCross [w/videos] [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espnfeaturedglobal rallycross championshiprallycrosssebstien loebvideosx gamesx games 18x games 18 rallycrossx games rallycrossx-gamesMon, 02 Jul 2012 19:57:00 EST

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20270018 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-x-games-18-rallycross-1341263161_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-x-games-18-rallycross-1341263161.jpg <![CDATA[Sebastien Loeb gets us excited for X Games 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/01/sebastien-loeb-gets-us-excited-for-x-games-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/01/sebastien-loeb-gets-us-excited-for-x-games-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/01/sebastien-loeb-gets-us-excited-for-x-games-2012/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Citroën, Racing

Loeb prepping for X Games

Sébastien Loeb is giving both Global RallyCross and the X Games a go in Los Angeles this Sunday: he'll line up with other drivers like fellow World Rally Championship title winner Marcus Grönholm, Travis Pastrana and Baja 500 winner Brian Menzies when he takes part in the GRC event at ESPN's Summer X Games.

He's been testing his Citroën DS3 XL GRC car, which is more powerful and handles differently than his WRC car. He'll tell you all about it in the video below.

Continue reading Sebastien Loeb gets us excited for X Games 2012

Sebastien Loeb gets us excited for X Games 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20267892 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/loebgrcvid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/loebgrcvid.jpg <![CDATA[RallyCross driver shorts jump in X Games practice]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/rallycross-driver-shorts-jump-in-x-games-practice/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/rallycross-driver-shorts-jump-in-x-games-practice/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/rallycross-driver-shorts-jump-in-x-games-practice/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos

Toomas Heikkinen X Games Crash

The skill displayed by drivers in the RallyCross competition at X Games, particularly with the jump, makes it easy to forget just how dangerous the sport can be. Everyone was reminded of that earlier today, however, when Finnish driver and X Games rookie Toomas Heikkinen shorted the 50-foot gap, crashing into the steel ramp. Heikkinen's Fiesta eventually landed upside down, and fluids leaking from the car caught fire after he exited the car.

While the head-on crash looked devastating, X Games later reported that Heikkinen thankfully only suffered a broken ankle and minor abdominal pain. Needless to say, he isn't expected to participate in Sunday's competition, although Travis Pastrana demonstrated last year that a broken ankle doesn't necessarily have to keep you out of a rally car.

You can view different angles of Heikkinen's unfriendly meeting with the ramp in the embedded videos below.

Continue reading RallyCross driver shorts jump in X Games practice

RallyCross driver shorts jump in X Games practice originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>toomas heikkinentoomas heikkinen x games crashx gamesx games 18x games rallyx games rallycrossSat, 30 Jun 2012 09:55:00 EST

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20269616 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/x-games-jump-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/x-games-jump-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels to attempt a different type of double loop at ESPN's X Games]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/hot-wheels-to-attempt-a-different-type-of-double-loop-at-espns/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/hot-wheels-to-attempt-a-different-type-of-double-loop-at-espns/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/hot-wheels-to-attempt-a-different-type-of-double-loop-at-espns/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Videos, Celebrities, Racing

Hot Wheels X Games

Well now, it looks as if we know what Hot Wheels has planned for its next big stunt. As you may remember, the toy company recently released a video suggesting it planned to take on another public stunt. The last time the company put on a spectacle, Tanner Foust set a world-record jump at the Indianapolis 500. This time around, two drivers will tackle a massive double loop. How massive? Try 60 feet in diameter. Unlike the loop that the Top Gear crew recently dominated, this ramp design puts two drivers side by side before funneling them together onto the same track.

Sounds hairy.

Drivers will take to their cockpits during the 2012 X Games in Los Angeles. Those of us who can't make it to the West Coast can watch the action on either ABC or ESPN on June 30th. The Hot Wheels Green and Yellow teams will hit the track at around 11:20. Check out the teaser video below.

Continue reading Hot Wheels to attempt a different type of double loop at ESPN's X Games

Hot Wheels to attempt a different type of double loop at ESPN's X Games originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hot wheelshot wheels x games loophot wheels x games videoteaservideox gamesx games videoWed, 20 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST

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20261511 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/hot-wheels-x-games-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/hot-wheels-x-games-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block's San Francisco-shot Gymkhana 5 to debut on July 9]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/ken-blocks-san-francisco-shot-gymkhana-5-to-debut-on-july-9/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/ken-blocks-san-francisco-shot-gymkhana-5-to-debut-on-july-9/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/ken-blocks-san-francisco-shot-gymkhana-5-to-debut-on-july-9/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

Ken Block with Ford Fiesta rallycross racer in San Francisco

Ken Block is YouTube gold, that much we know. Having accumulated 140+ million views for his Gymkhana videos over the years, the man can clearly attract some eyeballs with his behind-the-wheel shenanigans. The last installment, the fourth in the series so far, was by far his biggest and boldest production, sporting a Hollywood theme with special effects and musical numbers. Some felt it strayed too far from the highly skilled hooning that got him where he is today, which was the likely reason his team recently released a re-edited version (scroll down to watch) with less of the Hollywood glam and glitz.

It also might be why Gymkhana 5 will take place in the vertically diverse city of San Francisco, CA. The location itself will be a co-star of Block's latest video venture, which will debut on the DC Shoes YouTube channel on July 9. Block's Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V. rally car will be again be his ride of his choice, and we're told the video will feature a surprise special guest and a few world records, as well. Block is no doubt hoping he can enjoy the premier with X Games gold in his hands, as he'll be competing in the Rallycross competition against the world's best - names like Travis Pastrana, Tanner Foust and current Rallycross points leader Marcus Grönholm - on July 1.

Continue reading Ken Block's San Francisco-shot Gymkhana 5 to debut on July 9

Ken Block's San Francisco-shot Gymkhana 5 to debut on July 9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20260941 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/kbgym5-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/kbgym5-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Sebastian Loeb to compete in X Games RallyCross [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/sebastian-loeb-to-compete-in-x-games-rallycross-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/sebastian-loeb-to-compete-in-x-games-rallycross-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/sebastian-loeb-to-compete-in-x-games-rallycross-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Citroën, Celebrities, Racing

Sebastien Loeb

Things just got a lot more interesting for this year's X Games RallyCross event, with eight-time WRC champion Sebastien Loeb announcing his entry into the competition. The French driver's participation in X Games comes thanks to Travis Pastrana, who sent out a personal invitation to Loeb via their shared connection with Red Bull. Loeb readily accepted Pastrana's challenge/invitation, and is set to make his North American racing debut later this month.

Loeb will come fully prepared for the race with a specially built rally car developed by Citroën Racing. The Citroën DS3 XL (X Games + Loeb) will feature a 2.0-liter engine producing 545 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque as well as a slightly different design than Loeb's WRC-spec ride with the radiator moved to the rear of the car and the spare tire removed.

While Loeb will undoubtedly be the favorite going into the event, you can be sure that the rest of the regular Global RallyCross field - including Tanner Foust, Ken Block and former WRC champion Marcus Grönholm - will be doing their best to make it hard on the WRC driver.

You can watch footage of Pastrana's invite and Loeb's response in the videos below, or scroll down to read the official announcement regarding Loeb's entry into the X Games courtesy of Red Bull.

Continue reading Sebastian Loeb to compete in X Games RallyCross [w/video]

Sebastian Loeb to compete in X Games RallyCross [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20259688 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/sebastien-loeb-x-games_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/sebastien-loeb-x-games.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge Dart Rallycross stars in first Ken Block-style vid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/dodge-dart-rallycross-stars-in-first-ken-block-style-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/dodge-dart-rallycross-stars-in-first-ken-block-style-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/dodge-dart-rallycross-stars-in-first-ken-block-style-vid/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Sedan, Videos, Dodge, Racing

Once Dodge announced its intent to race the SRT-built Dart in the U.S. season of Global RallyCross Championship with ESPN, the only logical thing to do next was hand it over to Travis Pastrana for brutal treatment around Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds.

Sadly, the performance of the Dart you'll be able to buy soon is just a tiny bit down on the 600-horsepower, all-wheel-drive sedan in the video below. But knowing such a beast lurks inside the Dart is - kind of - entertaining enough.

Continue reading Dodge Dart Rallycross stars in first Ken Block-style vid

Dodge Dart Rallycross stars in first Ken Block-style vid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20208279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/screen-shot-2012-04-04-at-10.17-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/screen-shot-2012-04-04-at-10.17-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge to race Dart in Rallycross]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/dodge-to-race-dart-in-rallycross/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/dodge-to-race-dart-in-rallycross/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/dodge-to-race-dart-in-rallycross/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Sedan, Dodge, Racing

2012 Dodge Dart Rallycross car rendering

Dodge is taking its new Dart to the races in the U.S. rounds of this year's Global RallyCross Championship with ESPN. Piloted by Travis Pastrana and built by SRT, the GRC challenger is a little different than the sedan you'd find at the dealership: it puts down 600 horsepower and more than 550 pound-feet from it's 2.0-liter, four-cylinder to all four wheels.

The 2012 RallyCross season comprises seven rounds, two of which will be the X Games in Los Angeles on June 30 and July 1. It's the second domestic season for the discipline that's considered to be "motorcross with cars," and the number of rounds has more than doubled from the three held last year. ESPN will be airing all of them, so follow the jump for the press release on Dodge's entry and race info, and click the picture above to enlarge.

Continue reading Dodge to race Dart in Rallycross

Dodge to race Dart in Rallycross originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20200267 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/dodgedartrallycross_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/dodgedartrallycross.jpg <![CDATA[X Games 17 brings RallyCross to the streets of L.A. [spoilers w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/x-games-17-brings-rallycross-to-the-streets-of-l-a-spoilers-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/x-games-17-brings-rallycross-to-the-streets-of-l-a-spoilers-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/x-games-17-brings-rallycross-to-the-streets-of-l-a-spoilers-w/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

X Games 17 RallyCross

Over the weekend, rally cars took over the streets of downtown Los Angeles to compete in X Games 17. The field of drivers was perhaps the most prestigious yet, with plenty of X Games veterans like Tanner Foust, Travis Pastrana and Brian Deegan facing tough new challengers in the form of Marcus Grönholm, two-time World Champion of the World Rally Championship series and European RallyCross veteran Liam Doran.

The new venue, the third in three years, provided an interesting setting to watch rally cars fly by - traffic whizzed by on the 110 Freeway just a block away - and for the drivers, it was a welcome change to last year's tight and confusing course at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The venue wasn't ideal for spectators, however, with much of the course hidden from view on the main grandstands. For members of the media such as ourselves, photographing the event was nearly impossible as well, with high fencing blocking nearly every good view.

Even so, the drives put on quite a show for those watching at home on television. With so many talented drivers in so many fast cars, entertaining matchups were inevitable. Click through the jump to read more and watch the wacky action in some X Games-provided videos.

Continue reading X Games 17 brings RallyCross to the streets of L.A. [spoilers w/video]

X Games 17 brings RallyCross to the streets of L.A. [spoilers w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian deeganespnfeaturedfiestafordliam doranrally car racingrallycrosssubarutanner fousttravis+pastranatravis+pastrana+x+games+2011travispastranatravispastranaxgames2011wrxx gamesx games 17x games rally car racingx games rallycrossx+games+17+rallyx+games+2011+rallycrossxgames17rallyxgames2011rallycrossMon, 01 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST

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20005601 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/x-games-17-rallycross_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/x-games-17-rallycross.jpg <![CDATA[X Games rider nails first motorcycle front-flip in competition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/30/x-games-sees-first-motorcycle-front-flip-in-competition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/30/x-games-sees-first-motorcycle-front-flip-in-competition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/30/x-games-sees-first-motorcycle-front-flip-in-competition/#commentsFiled under: Etc.

Jackson Strong's X-Games front flip

Motorcycles were built to have two wheels pointing towards the Earth with the rider above the machine. Over the years, the insane and/or insanely talented athletes of the X Games have flipped that notion on its head. Literally. We've seen backflips, spins and even double backflips, but at the 2011 X Games, one rider has gone against the grain. Ladies and gentleman, Jackson Strong has just landed the first front flip in competition.

Now, credit goes to Jim DeChamp for landing the first forward aerial rotation back in 2009. Strong, however, is the first rider to successfully throw down the move in competition. His front flip wowed both the crowd and the judges, allowing him to ride off with the gold medal.

Click past the jump to see Strong's winning flip.

Continue reading X Games rider nails first motorcycle front-flip in competition

X Games rider nails first motorcycle front-flip in competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20004815 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/jackson-strong-front-flip_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/jackson-strong-front-flip.jpg <![CDATA[We ride shotgun as Marcus Grönholm practices for X Games 17 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/we-ride-shotgun-as-marcus-gronholm-practices-for-x-games-17-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/we-ride-shotgun-as-marcus-gronholm-practices-for-x-games-17-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/we-ride-shotgun-as-marcus-gronholm-practices-for-x-games-17-w-v/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Ford, Racing

Ford Fiesta RallyCross

The El Toro Marine Base in Irvine, CA has become somewhat of a quasi West Coast testing ground for the automotive industry in the past several years. Currently, it's perhaps best known for being the site of the Top Gear USA test track, but we've attended media events, learned how to drift, and watched a variety of manufacturers test out their wares on the military compound's abandoned runways.

Most recently, Ford turned the strips of tarmac into a replica of the X Games 17 RallyCross course and brought out two-time WRC champ Marcus Grönholm and Moto-X-legend-turned-rally-driver Brian Deegan for a practice session ahead of this weekend's main event. Lucky for us, they also asked us to tag along with the enticing offer of a shotgun seat in a 575-horsepower all-wheel drive Fiesta racecar. Count us in.

Click through the jump to continue reading...

Continue reading We ride shotgun as Marcus Grönholm practices for X Games 17 [w/video]

We ride shotgun as Marcus Grönholm practices for X Games 17 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian deeganespn x gamesfeaturedfiestafordgrönholmgronholmmarcus gronholmrallycrosstanner foustvideox gamesx games 17x games rallycrossFri, 29 Jul 2011 19:58:00 EST

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20002878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/x-games-rallycross-preview-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/x-games-rallycross-preview-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the Moto X move that cost Pastrana a broken ankle and his NASCAR debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/watch-the-moto-x-move-that-cost-pastrana-a-broken-ankle-and-his/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/watch-the-moto-x-move-that-cost-pastrana-a-broken-ankle-and-his/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/watch-the-moto-x-move-that-cost-pastrana-a-broken-ankle-and-his/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

Travis Pastrana

This weekend was supposed to be a busy one for Travis Pastrana. In what had been dubbed "Pastranathon," the Moto X / RallyCross driver / NASCAR rookie was set to compete in X Games 17 Thursday and Friday, fly to Indianapolis on Saturday for his NASCAR Nationwide debut, then be back in Los Angeles on Sunday to compete in RallyCross for Subaru. Instead, Pastrana will be sitting this weekend out with a broken right foot and ankle.

According to ESPN, the injury occurred last night when Pastrana failed in an attempt to perform a "Corked 720" in the Moto X "Best Trick" competition. His bike landed on top of his right leg after he under-rotated through the spin, leaving him to be carried off the dirt on a stretcher. Pastrana was sent to the hospital for X-rays and released later that night, although he will need to have surgery on his foot, ankle and hand at a later date.

You can watch a video of Pastrana's unsuccessful "Moto X Best Trick" attempt after the jump.

Continue reading Watch the Moto X move that cost Pastrana a broken ankle and his NASCAR debut

Watch the Moto X move that cost Pastrana a broken ankle and his NASCAR debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20004081 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/travis-pastrana_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/travis-pastrana.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block unveils new multi-hoonable Ford Fiesta HFHV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/ken-block-unveils-new-multi-hoonable-ford-fiesta-hfhv/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/ken-block-unveils-new-multi-hoonable-ford-fiesta-hfhv/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/ken-block-unveils-new-multi-hoonable-ford-fiesta-hfhv/#commentsFiled under: Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Specialty, Off-Road, Racing

Ken Block's Ford Fiesta HFHV

Being Ken Block has got to be a lot of fun, but like any other life, it has its share of problems. In Ken's case, he's actively involved in a number of rally disciplines, each of which has its own parameters and requires its own type of car. Solution: the Ford Fiesta HFHV.

The initials stand for Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle, but don't let that first H fool you: there's nothing Prius about this car. It's the new beast which Ford and Block have developed for adaptable use in each of three types of rally competition: stage rallies, rallycross and Gymkhana.

The car is based on Block's Ford Fiesta RS WRC, albeit with a 2.0-liter turbo four capable of producing as much as 600 horsepower and 665 pound-feet of torque, depending on configuration. And configurability is what this car's all about. By swapping the wheels and tires and adjusting everything from the suspension to the engine mapping, the HFHV can be quickly set up for any of these three functions. Believe it or not, Block's Monster crew says it can even be street-legal, depending on the setup.

Bottom line: expect to see this car wherever you see Block pop up, whether it's on a rally stage, a closed parking lot or a film set - starting with the X Games this weekend in Los Angeles. Follow the jump to watch the video footage and read the full press release.

Continue reading Ken Block unveils new multi-hoonable Ford Fiesta HFHV

Ken Block unveils new multi-hoonable Ford Fiesta HFHV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19999472 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/block-hfhv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/block-hfhv.jpg <![CDATA[Travis Pastrana takes a page from the Ken Block school of marketing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/travis-pastrana-takes-a-page-from-the-ken-block-school-of-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/travis-pastrana-takes-a-page-from-the-ken-block-school-of-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/travis-pastrana-takes-a-page-from-the-ken-block-school-of-market/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Subaru

travis pastrana subaru wrx sti livery reveal

Travis Pastrana reveals the new livery on his 2011 WRX STI - Click above to watch video after the jump

Travis Pastrana may have jumped over to the world of NASCAR, but he clearly didn't forget how to drive a rally car. He's prepping for the upcoming 2011 X Games, and was looking for a way to show off the new livery on his 2011 Subaru WRX STI. Taking a page from the book of Block, Pastrana has decided to go with a marketing video that looks, um, awfully familiar.

Pastrana has called upon the Mad Media production company, the same crew responsible for a Ken Block clip from earlier in the year. Block's video showcased the new livery for his 2011 Ford Fiesta WRC car, as well as some scantily clad ladies, pumping music, quick focus changes and snappy cuts. The formula is clearly a simple one: Hot Chicks + Cool Cars = Maximum Views, and that's the very title of Pastrana's video.

Ken Block also produced another video to hype his Gymkhana contest, which gave him an opportunity to take a friendly jab at Travis. Pastrana is looking to return the favor, and, unless he decides to do a barrel roll with the car, our money is on the Subie to take gold at the 2011 X Games.

Check out Pastrana's shiny new WRX, and his take on the Block school of marketing in the clip posted after the jump.

Continue reading Travis Pastrana takes a page from the Ken Block school of marketing

Travis Pastrana takes a page from the Ken Block school of marketing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19972014 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/pastranaliveryreveal_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/pastranaliveryreveal.jpg <![CDATA[Rally Cross to be held outside on streets of LA for X Games 17]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/rally-cross-to-be-held-outside-on-streets-of-la-for-x-games-17/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/rally-cross-to-be-held-outside-on-streets-of-la-for-x-games-17/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/rally-cross-to-be-held-outside-on-streets-of-la-for-x-games-17/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Racing

tanner foust rallycross la 2010

X Games 16 SuperRally - Click above for high-res image gallery

RallyCross and the X Games were made for one another, and X Games 17 will feature one of the coolest tracks ever. The games, which will run from July 28 through July 31, will include a first-ever rally street circuit in downtown Los Angeles.

Three-time rally gold medalist and Top Gear U.S. host Tanner Foust sounds pretty excited about the development, and we can't blame him. "Being in the car, ripping through streets, cranking the handbrake through intersections while door-to-door and jumping next to buildings is going to be truly epic! I can't wait!"

We're guessing ESPN can't wait either, as the shots from the competition will likely be awe-inspiring. And the sports news network will have the event very well covered, with 25 hours of high definition coverage and another 18 hours of 3D coverage.

And, of course, the X Games wouldn't be the X Games without dirt bikes, so you can expect plenty of Enduro X coverage. There will also be eight new Moto X competitions, which will take place inside The STAPLES Center. Sounds like a good time. Hit the jump to read over the ESPN press release, and check out our high-res image galleries below for some of the rally action from last year.

Gallery: X Games 16 Rally Car Racing

Gallery: X Games 16 SuperRally

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Motor World Hype]

Continue reading Rally Cross to be held outside on streets of LA for X Games 17

Rally Cross to be held outside on streets of LA for X Games 17 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enduro xespn x gamesmoto xrallyrallycrossrallycross downtown lastaples centertanner foustx gamesx games 17Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST

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