Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[VIDEO: Travis Pastrana's New Year's Jump. Take two]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/video-travis-pastranas-new-years-jump-take-two/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/video-travis-pastranas-new-years-jump-take-two/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/video-travis-pastranas-new-years-jump-take-two/#comments Filed under: ,

Travis Pastrana's New Year's Jump Practice - Click above to watch the video after the break

Has your inner stunt driver ever wondered what it would be like to fling a ridiculously overpowered rally car off a ramp and onto a waiting platform some 250 feet away? Don't have enough Red Bull running through your veins to actually attempt such a stunt yourself? Well, we have good news for you.

Travis Pastrana is just the type to try it out in your stead, and the helpful folks from the aforementioned Austrian energy drink company have mounted a camera to the car's bumper during practice so you can see exactly what the scene looks like from behind the wheel. As with the last video, this is just a teaser to whet our appetites before the real jump (over water and onto a barge, no less) takes place on New Year's Day, meaning that the actual landing is left up to your imagination... for now. Click past the break to see it unfold.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Travis Pastrana's New Year's Jump. Take two

VIDEO: Travis Pastrana's New Year's Jump. Take two originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> red bullRed Bull New Year No LimitsRedBullRedBullNewYearNoLimitstravis pastranatravis pastrana new yearsTravisPastranaTravisPastranaNewYears Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Walter Röhrl entering the Nürburgring 24 Hours in a bone stock Porsche GT3 RS]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/walter-rohrl-entering-the-nurburgring-24-hours-in-a-bone-stock-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/walter-rohrl-entering-the-nurburgring-24-hours-in-a-bone-stock-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/walter-rohrl-entering-the-nurburgring-24-hours-in-a-bone-stock-p/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2010 Porsche GT3 RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche test pilot and all-around legend Walter Röhrl will be competing in next year's Nürburgring 24-Hour race for the first time in 17 years. His weapon of choice for the event: the 2010 Porsche GT3 RS. That's the rear-wheel drive one with the 450 horsepower 3.8-liter that runs up to 8,500 RPM. The one with the track-specific, lightweight lithium-ion battery and dynamic engine mounts. The one that did the Kessel Run 'Ring in 12 parsecs 7:33 in light traffic.

Röhrl says the street-legal production car is the closest thing to a race car he's ever driven, so he wants to find out what it can ultimately do from gun-to-flag. It probably won't hand comeuppance to the four-liter, $494,000 GT3 RSR, but with the same horsepower as the dedicated racer we figure Röhrl plans to keep it close.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS


[Source: Paul Tan]

Walter Röhrl entering the Nürburgring 24 Hours in a bone stock Porsche GT3 RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 gt3 rs2010 porsche2010 porsche 911 gt3 rs2010Gt3Rs2010Porsche2010Porsche911Gt3RscoupeGT3 RacingGt3RacingmotorsportsNurburgringnurburgring 24Nurburgring24performance sedanPerformanceSedanporsche gt3 rsPorscheGt3RsPorschePanamerawalter rohrlWalterRohrl Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:59:00 EST <![CDATA[When F1 2009 won't do, try the $191K Cruden Hexatech simulator]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/when-f1-2009-wont-do-try-the-191k-cruden-hexatech-simulator/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/when-f1-2009-wont-do-try-the-191k-cruden-hexatech-simulator/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/when-f1-2009-wont-do-try-the-191k-cruden-hexatech-simulator/#comments Filed under: , ,



We give thumbs up to Cruden's reason for building a $191,500 F1 simulator: "Snooker rooms, swimming pools, gyms and cinemas have been done." So there. If you're over waiting for Codemasters to release F1 2009 on a real platform, or waiting for GT5 to ever show up and you have enough money to buy an SLS AMG and several weeks of track time, the Hexatech is waiting for you.

The fully-suspended system can be tailored to provide feedback based on the chassis setup, wheelbase and track, tire and suspension settings, drive train (engine, gearbox, differentials), aero loading, aero draft (slip streaming), steering, brakes and driver aids such as traction control, ABS, and more. It even has seat belt tensioners. And it isn't just for F1: the sim does NASCAR, WRC, and 24-Hour racing, too. Three 42-inch screens, or a projector and a room with at least a 10-foot ceiling will keep you in the action.

If you want one but you don't have that kind of dosh, there's still time to make a wish and be extra nice before Santa makes his final decision. Or you could ask Ferrari if you can borrow theirs...

[Source: F1 Fanatic]

When F1 2009 won't do, try the $191K Cruden Hexatech simulator originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crudencruden hexatechCrudenHexatechf1f1 simulatorF1Simulatorformula 1formula 1 simulatorformula oneformula one simulatorFormula1Formula1SimulatorFormulaOneFormulaOneSimulatorgadgetshexatechsimulator Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/lotus-celebrates-return-to-f1-with-exige-s-type-72/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/lotus-celebrates-return-to-f1-with-exige-s-type-72/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/lotus-celebrates-return-to-f1-with-exige-s-type-72/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Lotus Exige S Type 72 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a 15-year hiatus, Lotus is coming back to Formula One, and to commemorate its return to the top tier of motorsport, the Hethel crew is creating yet another special Exige inspired by the Type 72 that dominated F1 in the Seventies.

Like nearly every other limited edition Lotus released in the last few years, the Exige S Type 72 is little more than a repainted, kitted-up version of its midship masterpiece. The supercharged, 1.8-liter inline four remains unchanged, putting out 220 horsepower and allowing the two-tone coupe to sprint to 60 in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 145 mph.

A set of carbon fiber ProBax sport seats swathed in black microfiber with contrast stitching ties in with the exterior's gold wheels and emblems, while standard twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar round out the mechanical upgrades.

Lotus has slated 20 Type 72s for sale in the UK, with another 20 destined for markets outside of the mainland (no word on U.S. distribution), each carrying a price tag of £35,995 or 40,332 euro. Not cheap, but then again, how do you put a price on nostalgia?


Gallery: Lotus Exige S Type 72

Continue reading Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72

Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> exige sExigeSlotusLotus Exige S Type 72LotusExigeSType72type 72type-72Type72 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST <![CDATA[NASCAR turns right, headed to Road America in 2010]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/nascar-turns-right-headed-to-road-america-in-2010/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/nascar-turns-right-headed-to-road-america-in-2010/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/nascar-turns-right-headed-to-road-america-in-2010/#comments Filed under:



Some motorsports fans take issue with the fact that the vast majority of NASCAR tracks are little more than a series of left turns. This is for you, roundy-round jokers. The official sport of the South is mixing in some right turns and working the brakes a bit more in 2010 with a pair of road courses. The first race, a June 20 Sprint Cup affair at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, was already on the books, and now the truck racing series has added a second road course on June 19. The Nationwide Truck Series race will be held at Road America near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where a scenic 4.04 mile, 14 turn course awaits tailgate-loving NASCAR drivers.

We joke about NASCAR and right turns, but Wisconsin native Paul Menard thinks the biggest challenge will come courtesy of the brake pedal. "Braking will be the hardest aspect. Strategy will play a big part in this race." NASCAR hasn't run a national cup race at Road America since way back in1956, back when race cars used carburetors weren't as fast. Racing Road America will likely be a challenge for drivers who participate in both NASCAR Series, as a trip from Wisconsin to California inside of 24 hours sandwiched between a pair of tough races doesn't sound at all easy to us.

Whether you love NASCAR or you can't stand it, we're thinking middle America's racing sport of choice deserves hats off for mixing it up a bit this year.

[Source: NASCAR | Image: Road America]

NASCAR turns right, headed to Road America in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> motorsportsnascarNationwide SeriesNationwideSeriesroad americaroad courseRoadAmericaRoadCoursesprint cupSprintCupstock carstock car racingStockCarStockCarRacingWisconsin Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST <![CDATA[Book Review: Legendary Race Cars by Basem Wasef [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/book-review-legendary-race-cars-by-basem-wasef-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/book-review-legendary-race-cars-by-basem-wasef-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/book-review-legendary-race-cars-by-basem-wasef-w-video/#comments Filed under:

Maserati 8CM number 3011 from Legendary Race Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Confused as to what to do with all the Barnes & Nobles and Amazon.com gift cards your in-laws pelted you with this Holiday season? Be confused no more! Legendary Race Cars is the book every pistonhead needs sitting on their night stand in 2010. We really hope you haven't gone all Kindle on us, because Basem Wasef's coffee table-sized book is loaded bow to stern with gorgeous photographs of some of the most desirable cars ever built, let alone raced. Wasef took all the non-vintage pictures, too, and they're quite stunning.

What cars? Well, that's the really fantastic part. Put it like this: had we been asked to write such a book, our choices wouldn't have been much different. There are 25 legendary racers in all, spanning from motorsports earliest days right on up to the present. In truth, a great mix of racing machines.

The first car discussed is the Ford GT40 and the last is Sterling Moss's Mercedes-Benz 300SLR - the No. 722 car. In between you get Carroll Shelby's Aston Martin DBR1 and Cobra Daytona Coupe, all the Auto Union Grand Prix Cars, Senna's McLaren MP4/4, Fangio's Maserati 250F and of course the brutally awesome Porsche 917. Each car is discussed in informative, enthusiastic and playful detail, yet the text is never slavish or obsessive. If you want to know who cut the Maserati 8CM's splines, look elsewhere.

And that's not even the half of it, as Legendary Race Cars is loaded with more winners like Richard Petty's Plymouth SuperBird, the first round the world winner, the Thomas Flyer, the Indy-dominating Marmon Wasp (first car to ever employ a rear-view mirror!), Audi's Group B killer S1 Quattro, Schumacher's Ferraris, McRae's Subarus and even Ecurie Ecosse's Jaguars.

Some of you might be familiar with Basem Wasef's first book, Legendary Motorcycles. If you are, you'll no doubt remember that Jay Leno wrote the introduction to that one. Not bad for your first book. For his second book, Basem got none other than Sir Stirling Moss to pen the foreword, which, for you whippersnappers who have no clue who Sir Stirling is, would be like getting Snoop Dogg to help you write an essay about gangsta rappers and marijuana.

Here's part of what Moss has to say, "Selecting these 25 legendary cars cannot have been easy. Automobiles, like paintings and other works of art, have different effects on different people... I would hate to have been making the choice - but I am enormously proud and happy to have been invited to write the foreword for this book." All we can do is say wow. For his third book, Mr. Wasef will no doubt be writing it in Colin Chapman's blood. Until then, pick up a copy of Legendary Race Cars (It's $23.10 right now at Amazon). You won't regret it one iota. Make the jump to watch Basem Wasef discuss Legendary Race Cars with none other than Jay Leno, and don't forget to check out the gallery that's filled with some choice stills from the book.


Gallery: Legendary Race Cars

Legendary Race CarsLegendary Race CarsLegendary Race CarsLegendary Race CarsLegendary Race Cars

Continue reading Book Review: Legendary Race Cars by Basem Wasef [w/VIDEO]

Book Review: Legendary Race Cars by Basem Wasef [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 300 SLR 722300SLR300SLR 722300Slr722Aston Martin DBR1AstonMartinDbr1Auto UnionAutoUnionBasem WasefBasem Wasef Legendary Race CarsBasemWasefBasemWasefLegendaryRaceCarsBookBooksCarroll ShlebyCarrollShlebyCobra Daytona CoupeCobraDaytonaCoupeDaytona CoupeDaytonaCoupeFangioFangio MaseratiFangio Maserati 250FFangioMaseratiFangioMaserati250ffeaturedJay LenoJayLenoLegendary Race CarsLegendary Race Cars Basem WasefLegendaryRaceCarsLegendaryRaceCarsBasemWasefLenoMaserati 250FMaserati250fPorschePorsche 917Porsche917Richard PettyRichardPettySennaShelbySir Stirling MossSirStirlingMossStirling MossStirling Moss 300SLR 722StirlingMossStirlingMoss300slr722SuperbirdThomas FlyerThomasFlyer Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: BBC interviews Schumacher about his return to Mercedes-Benz F1]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-bbc-interviews-schumacher-about-his-return-to-mercedes-be/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-bbc-interviews-schumacher-about-his-return-to-mercedes-be/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-bbc-interviews-schumacher-about-his-return-to-mercedes-be/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Michael Schumacher talks about his return to F1 racing - Click above to watch the video

Let the rumors rest -- Michael Schumacher is back. As we reported earlier this morning, it appeared he was all set to sign with Mercedes-Benz, and now the deal is done. The newly named Mercedes GP Petronas team (nee Brawn GP) finally announced that they have signed the soon-to-be-41-year-old, seven-time World Champion to drive for the Silver Arrows team in 2010, and the BBC has already tracked him down for an extensive interview. Although most closely associated with Ferrari for returning that legendary marque to the winners circle following a decades-old drought, Schumacher does have a history with Mercedes having started his top level driving career via their junior program back in 1990 competing in Group C and DTM racing.

Besides being reunited with Ross Brawn - the man who brought him every one of his seven championships - Michael brings just a bit more experience to the Mercedes F1 team with his 248 starts, 91 wins, 154 podiums, and 68 pole positions. And even after a three-year layoff, the consensus seems to be that he hasn't missed a step. As you may remember, Michael almost made his comeback for Ferrari last year following Felipe Massa's unfortunate accident in Hungary, but he was sidelined due to neck problems related to a motorcycle racing crash. Schui has been tuning up with some karting action, most recently in Las Vegas, where he was competing against some of the best racers in the world, including fellow F1 pilots Nelson Piquet, Jr. and Sebastien Buemi.

MS will be joining fellow German Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, making the team an all-German affair. The F1 driving contract is said to be worth nearly $9.9 million to Schumi for 2010. Michael, for his part, says he has high hopes for returning to the podium right away and in fact plans to grab another championship trophy next year. Why else would he bother, right? It should be a fascinating season. Click through to the jump to watch the BBC interview Schumacher talking about his decision to return to racing and read the official statement from Mercedes GP.

[Sources: YouTube via BBC Sport, Brawn GP]

Continue reading VIDEO: BBC interviews Schumacher about his return to Mercedes-Benz F1

VIDEO: BBC interviews Schumacher about his return to Mercedes-Benz F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BBCbenzBrawn GPBrawnGpF1F1 world championshipF1WorldChampionshipFerrariformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemercedesMercedes GPmercedes-benzMercedesGpMichael SchumacherMichaelSchumacherNico RosbergNicoRosbergRoss BrawnRossBrawnSchuischumachersilver arrowsSilverArrowsWorld ChampionWorldChampion Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST <![CDATA[He's Back: Schumacher reportedly signs with Mercedes-Benz F1 for 2010]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/hes-back-schumacher-signs-with-mercedes-benz-f1-for-2010/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/hes-back-schumacher-signs-with-mercedes-benz-f1-for-2010/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/hes-back-schumacher-signs-with-mercedes-benz-f1-for-2010/#comments Filed under: ,



All clearances given, the BBC is reporting that Michael Schumacher is officially a driver for the Mercedes-Petronas F1 team. The deal is understood to be a one-year agreement, with Schumacher being paid £6.2 million ($9.82M U.S.) and having an open door at the end of the year to carry on if it all works out.

Mercedes is said to have its eye on Sebastian Vettel when his contract is up in 2012. Theoretically then, if Michael remains Michael behind the wheel, he could drive for the Three-Pointed Star and collect trophies, and perhaps Championships, until then. That's an immense theoretical, however: Prost and Lauda took time off, came back, and won the whole show again; Jacques Villeneuve, well, not so much.

And as much as Ferrari respects the times it had with Schumacher, we have a feeling Luca di Montezemolo has already called Alonso to tell him, "You know what you have to do..." On the other hand, if Alonso doesn't work out at Ferrari, and Michael does well and only has a one-year deal with Mercedes...

[Source: BBC | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

He's Back: Schumacher reportedly signs with Mercedes-Benz F1 for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemercedes f1MercedesF1michael schumacherMichaelSchumachermotorsports Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Audi R8 LMS could be racing in ALMS GT Challenge class in 2011]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/audi-r8-lms-could-be-racing-in-alms-gt-challenge-class-in-2011/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/audi-r8-lms-could-be-racing-in-alms-gt-challenge-class-in-2011/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/audi-r8-lms-could-be-racing-in-alms-gt-challenge-class-in-2011/#comments Filed under: , ,

Audi R8 LMS - click above for high res image gallery

When Audi announced its new GT3 class R8 LMS race car late last year it was expecting 2009 to be a year of learning and development. As it turned out, it was a hugely successful season, landing championships in the FIA European GT series, along with the German and Belgian national series. All told, the R8s captured 23 race victories.

In 2010 the new GT Challenge class for GT3 type cars will become a permanent fixture of the American Le Mans Series as the GT1 class is consigned to history. During the 2009 season, GT Challenge was mainly the province of Porsche 911s. However, with the R8s success in Europe this year, Audi is considering offering the car to North American customers for the 2011 season. While the car could probably be competitive in 2010, Audi wants to set up a customer support infrastructure first.


Gallery: Audi R8 LMS 2009


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Audi R8 LMS could be racing in ALMS GT Challenge class in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> american le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesAmerican League Division Seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeagueDivisionSeriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesaudiaudi r8audi r8 lmsAudiR8AudiR8Lmsgt racingGT3 RacingGt3RacingGtRacing Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-track-focused-budget-oriented-toyota-ft-86-on-the-way/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-track-focused-budget-oriented-toyota-ft-86-on-the-way/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-track-focused-budget-oriented-toyota-ft-86-on-the-way/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest issue of EVO hasn't dropped into our laps yet, but our favorite Brit pub apparently got the scoop on another variant of the Toyota FT-86 -- one that's supposedly track tuned and considerably cheaper than the model due to arrive in 2011.

Powered by the same Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tuned boxer four, this supposedly stripped out variant could dispatch some of the standard model's amenities and come equipped with upgraded brakes and suspension components specifically designed for track work and drifting duty. According to EVO, a fully optioned FT-86 would carry a price tag of around $27,000, while this budget-oriented performance model will retail for around $22,000 -- a similar setup to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe RSpec.

EVO goes on to report that Toyota's crosstown rivals are working on a one-make race series for the Honda CR-Z and plan to campaign the hybrid hatch at the 24 hours of Nurburgring enduro in May. The more the merrier we say...


Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio


[Source: EVO via FT86Club via Jalopnik]

REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crzft-86ft86hondahonda cr-zhonda crzHondaCr-zHondaCrztoyotatoyota ft-86toyota ft86ToyotaFt-86ToyotaFt86 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST <![CDATA[NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/nsx-no-more-honda-hsv-10-gt-ready-to-race-in-supergt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/nsx-no-more-honda-hsv-10-gt-ready-to-race-in-supergt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/nsx-no-more-honda-hsv-10-gt-ready-to-race-in-supergt/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Honda HSV-10 GT - Click above for high-res image

The Honda NSX might be gone, but it's set to live on as the HSV-10 GT in Japan's SuperGT championship.

Although we don't have an official release or specs yet, we do have the image above and some preliminary details on the HSV-10 GT or Velocity Sports Honda. Built to the 2010 GT500 regulations, the new front/mid-engine racer from Honda is packing a 500+ hp, 3.4-liter V8 and sending power through the same Ricardo sequential manual gearbox fitted to the 2010 SuperGT cars from Nissan and Toyota. Underneath all that glorious carbon fiber is the same chassis Honda's been working on (originally as an NSX replacement) for the last two years. The SuperGT season opener is scheduled for March 20 and 21 of 2010, but we expect more details and a host of high-res images to hit soon. Stay tuned...

UPDATED with press release after the jump.

[Source: LeBlogAuto]

Continue reading NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT

NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakinggt500hondahonda hsv-10 gthonda supergthonda supergt500HondaHsv-10GtHondaSupergtHondaSupergt500hsv 10 gthsv-10 gtHsv-10Gthsv10gtsupergt Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:39:00 EST <![CDATA[Schumacher Says It Himself: driving for Mercedes F1 is a "very strong possibility"]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/schumacher-says-it-himself-driving-for-mercedes-f1-is-a-very-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/schumacher-says-it-himself-driving-for-mercedes-f1-is-a-very-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/schumacher-says-it-himself-driving-for-mercedes-f1-is-a-very-s/#comments Filed under: , ,



There are hearts breaking all over Italy, and the biggest one of all is that which beats in the chest of Ferrari head Luca de Montezemolo. Michael Schumacher is still under contract to The Prancing Horse as a global ambassador and consultant for their road cars. However, given the opportunity to return to a Formula One cockpit and prove a thing or ten, he appears keen on racing no matter the color of the car.

Neither Schumacher nor the Mercedes F1 team is revealing anything public about the German's chances of driving, but it's been in the press for a few weeks now. Last week, Schumacher phoned Montezemolo and told him there was a "very, very, very strong possibility" he'd end up as a driver for Mercedes. Speculation is that the final say is only waiting on Schumacher's neck to be declared fully healed after his motorcycle accident earlier this year.

If the 41-year-old Schumy does race again with Mercedes, it will be with the company that put him on the road to becoming one of the greatest racing drivers ever. And it will come at the expense of a muy doloroso de Montezemolo, who is so torn up about Michael switching camps that he has taken to calling the former Ferrari driver "the real Michael Schumacher," and the potential Mercedes pilot, "the new Michael Schumacher."

If it comes to pass, we'll play a sad song for de Montezemolo on the jukebox, but we'll do a dance for the coming F1 season: Rosberg and Schumacher in Mercedes', Alonso and Massa in Ferraris, Hamilton and Button in McLarens, Vettel in his Red Bull. There hasn't been a field like that in that kind of machinery in more than a decade. Please let it be March already...

[Source: Autosport | Image: Juergen Schwarz/Getty]

Schumacher Says It Himself: driving for Mercedes F1 is a "very strong possibility" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1ferrariferrari f1FerrariF1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneluca de montezemoloLucaDeMontezemolomercedesmercedes f1MercedesF1michael schumacherMichaelSchumachermotorsports Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST <![CDATA[BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/bmw-z4-gt3-coming-in-2010-with-m3-powerplant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/bmw-z4-gt3-coming-in-2010-with-m3-powerplant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/bmw-z4-gt3-coming-in-2010-with-m3-powerplant/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW Motorsport has announced a lust-worthy addition to its growing line of customer racing offerings in the form of the BMW Z4 GT3.

Although BMW hasn't released pics yet, the factory-built Z4 will be powered by an uprated version of the M3's 4.0-liter V8 currently fitted to the race-ready M3 GT2. Controlled by a Type-408 ECU and Power400 control unit, the 4.0-liter V8 is good for a claimed 480 horsepower and sends its ample grunt through a standard six-speed sequential gearbox. Central-locking wheels, ABS and a host of other kit will allow the Z4 GT3 to campaign in a number of sanctioned events, including the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open, ADAC GT Masters and several 24-hour enduros.

Deliveries begin in the second quarter of 2010, with an estimated price of 298,000 euro, or over $425,000 on a straight exchange. Full details and ordering information available in the press release below the fold.


Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is


[Source: BMW Motorsport]

Continue reading BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant

BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw motorsportbmw z4 gt3BmwMotorsportBmwZ4Gt3fiagt3z4 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford names Jamie Allison director North American Motorsport]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/ford-names-jamie-allison-director-north-american-motorsport/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/ford-names-jamie-allison-director-north-american-motorsport/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/ford-names-jamie-allison-director-north-american-motorsport/#comments Filed under: ,

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - click above for high res image gallery

Ford has named Jamie Allison as the new director of its North American Motorsports programs. Set to replace Brian Wolfe, Allison has been working in Ford Racing for six years and has been with the Dearborn automaker for 22 years. While part of the racing group, Allison has worked in one of the more profitable segments of the business, selling racing performance parts. During his tenure Allison oversaw the launch of Ford selling turn-key race cars like the FR500C, the FR500S and of course the Cobra Jet drag race car.

The race car program has been very successful both in terms of sales and on the track, with both the 2008 and 2010 runs of 50 Cobra Jets sold out before the cars were even built. The announcement of Allison's promotion came during a media event this week where Allison revealed the next product from Ford Racing, which you'll here more about next week. Wolfe has been named to a new position in the product development organization.


Gallery: First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet


[Source: Ford]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Ford names Jamie Allison director North American Motorsport

Ford names Jamie Allison director North American Motorsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordford motorsportsford motorsports directorford racingFordMotorsportsFordMotorsportsDirectorFordRacingjamie allisonJamieAllison Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/video-crap-motorsports-ftw-car-launching/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/video-crap-motorsports-ftw-car-launching/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/video-crap-motorsports-ftw-car-launching/#comments Filed under: , ,


Car Launching - Click above to watch the video

As the proliferation of LeMons events has proven, there's a fat vein of crap-box motorsports yet to be mined. Northwestern Wisconsin has its own unique brand of vehicular mayhem called Car Launching. The premise is simple: Jump something fetid and ridiculous off an earthen ramp, headed for certain destruction.

It's best to tow something that enhances the punchline. Like a dumpster. It's a much shorter lap than LeMons, but we suppose you could counter that by dragging more than one vehicle with you. Check out the video posted after the jump for the full impact. (We highly recommend clicking the "View Fullscreen" option.)

[Source: Notes from the Technology Underground]

Continue reading VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching

VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car launchingCarLaunchinglemonsLeMons Racelemons thunderhillLemonsRaceLemonsThunderhillmotorsportsracingwisconsin Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-toyota-supra-hv-r-gt-hybrid-coming-to-lemans/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-toyota-supra-hv-r-gt-hybrid-coming-to-lemans/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-toyota-supra-hv-r-gt-hybrid-coming-to-lemans/#comments Filed under: , ,

Toyota Supra HV-R GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's pulled out of F1, but that doesn't mean the company has lost its will to win with cutting edge tech. Rumors suggest it's dusting off the underpinnings of the Hybrid Supra HV-R it used to win the Tokkachi 24-Hour race two years ago, and staring at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a glint in its eye.

The Supra HV-R used a 473-horsepower V8 that gets help from regenerative braking, a quick-charging capacitor, and three additional electric motors: two in the front wheels, one in the back of the car. Toyota would need to upgrade the tech, prep the car for the GT1 class, and test it, so a 2012 race entry is hypothesized were such a thing to happen.

As far as we're concerned, anything that could lead to bringing back a Supra -- even if only in race trim to begin with -- is all right with us. Especially one with 473 horses, gobs of torque and a date with the Mulsanne straight. Toyota, please do this...


Gallery: Denso SARD Supra HV-R


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Le MansLeMansmotorsportssuprasupra hv-rSupraHv-rtoyota supratoyota supra hv-rToyotaSupraToyotaSupraHv-r Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Porsche 911 GT3 rally cars provide perfect Friday soundtrack]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/video-porsche-911-gt3-rally-cars-provide-perfect-friday-soundtr/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/video-porsche-911-gt3-rally-cars-provide-perfect-friday-soundtr/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/video-porsche-911-gt3-rally-cars-provide-perfect-friday-soundtr/#comments Filed under: , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

Rally fans often stand at a corner or in the middle of a straight away, sometimes for hours, just to get a glimpse of their favorite car. If you're lucky, you get a prime spot at a sharp turn or abrupt elevation that leads to airborne cars. Lucky for us, the Internets exist so that the best moments of these races are captured for our enjoyment.

Over eight minutes of high-revving Porsche GT3 rally cars await you after the jump. Just about every shot is a keeper and the intense (and vivid) screams of the hopped up boxer engines is more than enough reason to spend a few minutes of your time watching the footage after the jump. Besides, you'll want to remember what it is to actually drive a car before heading out of the office and into rush-hour gridlock, right?

[Source: YouTube via 0-60]

Continue reading VIDEO: Porsche 911 GT3 rally cars provide perfect Friday soundtrack

VIDEO: Porsche 911 GT3 rally cars provide perfect Friday soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 Porsche 9112009Porsche911911carreraGT3porschePorsche 911Porsche 933 GT3porsche 996porsche 998Porsche rallyporsche rally racerPorsche911Porsche933Gt3Porsche996Porsche998PorscheRallyPorscheRallyRacerrallyrally racingrallyingRallyRacingyoutube Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST <![CDATA[2010 Camaro SS Pace Car ready for Indy 500]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/2010-camaro-ss-pace-car-ready-for-indy-500/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/2010-camaro-ss-pace-car-ready-for-indy-500/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/2010-camaro-ss-pace-car-ready-for-indy-500/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Indianapolis 500 is still more than five months away, but General Motors is getting a jump on the 2010 season with the unveiling of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car.

Shown today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the tangerine Camaro is a rolling homage to the original pony pace car that rolled onto the track in 1967, complete with Inferno Orange Metallic paint, White Diamond rally stripes and a color-matched instrument panel. While the auto-box equipped, 400-hp 6.2-liter V8 apparently remains unchanged, the rest of the modifications are primarily cosmetic, including the Indy 500 logos adorning the doors, front fenders and seat headrests, along with an all-new front grille that's slated to be available as a Camaro accessory in the future. The only safety equipment is the strobe light system mounted inside the rear window, negating the need for a traditional roof-top light bar.

The 2010 Indy 500 Camaro will be on display at the Indianapolis Auto Show starting on December 26, but you can get all the details by checking out the gallery below and the press release below the fold.


Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

Continue reading 2010 Camaro SS Pace Car ready for Indy 500

2010 Camaro SS Pace Car ready for Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20102010 chevrolet camaro indianapolis 500 pace car2010 chevy camaro indianapolis 500 pace car2010ChevroletCamaroIndianapolis500PaceCar2010ChevyCamaroIndianapolis500PaceCar500500 days of summer500DaysOfSummercamarocanadachevroletIndianapolis 500Indianapolis500indypace carPaceCar Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Renault stays in Formula One after selling stake in team]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/renault-stays-in-formula-one-after-selling-stake-in-team/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/renault-stays-in-formula-one-after-selling-stake-in-team/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/renault-stays-in-formula-one-after-selling-stake-in-team/#comments Filed under: ,



The Renault name will remain on the Formula One grid when the series resumes in 2010 thanks to a deal announced on Wednesday. There had been considerable speculation in recent months that Renault would shut down its F1 effort and follow Honda, BMW and Toyota out the door. These rumors hit a fever pitch after the "Crash-Gate" controversy and the sudden departure of primary sponsor ING.

However, in the past couple of weeks it became plausible that Renault could stay in the sport although in a scaled down fashion. Luxemborg based Genii Capital will buy a majority stake in the team which will retain the automaker's name. The exact percentage hasn't been disclosed although the earlier speculation had Renault retaining only 25 percent of the team.

Renault will retain the engine building operation and continue to supply the Red Bull Racing team in 2010. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault stays in Formula One after selling stake in team

Renault stays in Formula One after selling stake in team originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> F1FIAformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnegenii capitalGeniiCapitalrenaultRenault F1renault formula 1renault formula oneRenaultF1RenaultFormula1RenaultFormulaOne Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST <![CDATA[MotoGP to return to 1000cc format, MotoCzysz back in the mix?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/motogp-to-return-to-1000cc-format-motoczysz-back-in-the-mix/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/motogp-to-return-to-1000cc-format-motoczysz-back-in-the-mix/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/motogp-to-return-to-1000cc-format-motoczysz-back-in-the-mix/#comments Filed under: ,



After a few years experimenting with 800cc engines in MotoGP, the Grand Prix Commission has just announced a switch back to 1000cc powerplants with the added caveat that they must have bore centers of 81 millimeters. These new regulations are set to go into effect for the 2012 racing season, and at least one small player is happy about the change. On the official MotoCzyst blog, Michael Czysz wrote:
The 2012 season is a great opportunity! MotoCzysz now has the base motorcycle, enough time and rules actually leaning a little in our favor - we could not ask for a better opportunity. Let's hope others feel the way I do. There is heavy lifting to be done but great things can be accomplished with many hands and the assistance of a few true believers.
It would seem that Czysz would have a leg up on the competition in getting a MotoGP platform ready for 2012 since the company's four-cylinder C1 was initially designed to compete in the 1000cc class. It's unclear at this point if MotoCzysz will continue developing its electric E1 platform or if it will focus all of its efforts on getting a bike on the MotoGP grid for 2012. Or, ya know, neither of the above.

[Source: MotoCzysz via Asphalt and Rubber]

MotoGP to return to 1000cc format, MotoCzysz back in the mix? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 motogp2012Motogpmotoczyszmotoczysz c1motoczysz e1motoczysz e1pcmotoczysz electric motorcyclemotoczysz motogpMotoczyszC1MotoczyszE1MotoczyszE1pcMotoczyszElectricMotorcycleMotoczyszMotogpMotogp Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST