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[Royal Scam? UK license plate "D1ANA" expected to fetch £100,000 at COYS auction]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/royal-scam-uk-license-plate-d1ana-expected-to-fetch-100-000/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/royal-scam-uk-license-plate-d1ana-expected-to-fetch-100-000/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/royal-scam-uk-license-plate-d1ana-expected-to-fetch-100-000/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Coys of Kensington will be hosting a True Greats auction on December 1, and among the items for sale will be an MG service manual (Lot 1), a Corvette poster (Lot 61), and some pre-WWII driving gauntlets (Lot 81). Oh, and there'll also be the matter of Lot 142, a number plate reading "D1ANA" expected to pull down £100,000. That's $164,174 to us here in the American system.

That's no small beer, certainly, yet while it might appear to be impressive, other less obviously impressive number plates have recently been fetching ridiculous amounts: aside from the UK tuner who bought the "F 1" plate for $870,000, earlier this year a gent - also in the UK - bought "1 D" for $513,000. And it's not just our British pals in that game: "D1ANA" is far less fetching than the number "6," which was bought by a Delaware man for $675,000. So there.

The preliminary viewing was today, but it's not too late to get in on the auction. Follow the jump for the press release, and get your pounds and pence ready.

[Source: Coys]

Continue reading Royal Scam? UK license plate "D1ANA" expected to fetch £100,000 at COYS auction

Royal Scam? UK license plate "D1ANA" expected to fetch £100,000 at COYS auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> englandeuropelicense platelicense plate auctionLicensePlateLicensePlateAuctionnumber plateNumberPlateprincess dianaPrincessDianauk Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST <![CDATA[2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've just returned from the Audi A8 world premiere here at Miami's star-studded Design Week, and we've got a slew of images of the new range-topping sedan. More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the new wundersedan is nevertheless an impressive looking piece with the visual charisma to go toe-to-toe with the celebrities that filed in to fawn over its broad shoulders.

Despite the clear heritage link to the outgoing model, there are a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 horses) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The slippery new shell once again rests on the brand's Aluminum Space Frame (ASF), and Audi says the car is longer and wider than its competitors, yet it sits lower. The sleek new bodywork is good for a .26 coefficient of drag. When it comes to America late next year, the new A8 will arrive in both standard and extended-wheelbase models, and we have it on good authority that both TDI and hybrid variants will also come to the States - although the alternative fuel powertrains aren't likely to happen right away. While you're waiting, check out our high-res galleries below as well as the official press release. We're working on uploading video of the new A8 as well, so check back soon.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009

2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 A82011 Audi A82011A82011AudiA8a8audiAudi A8Audi sedanAudiA8AudiSedanDesign MiamiDesign WeekDesignMiamiDesignWeekFeaturedLucy LiuLucyLiu Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/top-gear-builds-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-answer-th/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/top-gear-builds-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-answer-th/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/top-gear-builds-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-answer-th/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Click above to watch videos after the jump

Many electric vehicle fans out there are constantly complaining about how long it's taking automakers to bring plug-in vehicles to market. We've had commenters on this site claim that automakers should be able to bring EVs to the street in six months. Apparently even six months is too long for the crew at Top Gear.

For those unfamiliar with the format of the show, most episodes involve the producers giving a challenge of some sort to hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. The most recent episode, aired this week on the BBC in the UK, included just such a challenge. The boys were tasked to build their own answer to the extended-range EV Chevrolet Volt.

In a mere 18 hours they transformed a TVR Chimaera (interesting choice since a chimaera is a mythological creature composed of parts of a number of animals) into the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust pictured above. Once the i-Thrust was completed, it was turned over to Autocar magazine for an independent road test. As you might guess based on the photo, the results were not surprising and are a testament to perhaps taking all the time you need when developing a car. You can grab a copy of AutoCar's full road test as a PDF or just watch the entire Top Gear segment and video of the Autocar road test after the jump.

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Top Gear builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt

Top Gear builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> er-evextended range electric vehicleextended range EVextended range vehicleExtendedRangeElectricVehicleExtendedRangeEvExtendedRangeVehicleHammerhead Eagle i-ThrustHammerheadEagleI-thrusttop gearTopGear Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST <![CDATA[Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/#comments Filed under: ,

Top Gear in Romania - click above to watch video

Another day, another country that hates Jeremy Clarkson's guts. Or at least, another country that is seeking an apology from the Top Gear host for his no doubt rude, but no doubter funny comments about said country. In this case, it's the former Iron Curtain nation of Romania. Seems that during the series' season 14 opener, Jezza had some less than flattering observations about the country that shot former "Conductor" Nicolae Ceauşescu and his wife before they could even be tied up and blindfolded.

Clarkson's offending remarks? He referred to Romania as "Borat country." He also donned the silly-looking pork pie hat above and stated, "I'm wearing this hat so the gypsies think I am one. I'm told they can be violent if they don't like the look of you." He also called Romanian water "Communist water" and mentioned that Romanians like to express their sense of humor with guns. Pretty innocuous stuff if you ask us. Especially compared to cracks Clarkson's made about other non-British places. Like Germany, America and Malaysia. Regardless, the Romanian government is apparently expecting an apology. We think they'd have a better chance at satisfaction by issuing a Whamber Alert. In any case, you can see the offending footage in its entirety by clicking through to the jump.

[Sources: Telegraph; YouTube]

Continue reading Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO]

Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BBCBoratClarksonCommunismJames MayJamesMayJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonRIchard HammondRichardHammondRomaniaTop GearTopGear Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST <![CDATA[STUDY: If you're gonna make us pay for a bloke's writing, it bloody well better be Clarkson]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/study-if-youre-gonna-make-us-pay-for-a-blokes-writing-it-blo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/study-if-youre-gonna-make-us-pay-for-a-blokes-writing-it-blo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/study-if-youre-gonna-make-us-pay-for-a-blokes-writing-it-blo/#comments Filed under: ,



We'll admit up front that this news item is minimally car-related, but bear with us. In response to News Corp's Rupert Murdoch's repeated threats to bury all of his content behind a pay-for-it-wall, the UK's Guardian conducted a poll asking readers which online columnists they'd pay for. The not so shocking result: Jeremy Clarkson, number one. Number two is Charlie Brooker, who we've heard of. The next eight? Not so much. But here's the point.

Jeremy Clarkson writes about cars. The other day, we were arguing with a burned out (and nameless) colleague about our mutual chosen profession. Eventually he blurted out, "You're still working under the delusion that writing a good car review is somehow noble." Not that Clarkson is particularly noble, but the notion that the writer most people (well, British people...) want to read spends his days scribing about powersliding the tires off half-a-million dollar cars is quite heartening. Almost ennobling, really.

[Source: The Guardian | Image: AFP/Getty]

STUDY: If you're gonna make us pay for a bloke's writing, it bloody well better be Clarkson originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ClarksonJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonrupert murdochRupertMurdochThe GuardianTheGuardianTop GearTopGear Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST <![CDATA[John Surtees pilots electric Ginetta G50EV through Channel Tunnel]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/john-surtees-pilots-electric-ginetta-g50ev-through-channel-tunne/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/john-surtees-pilots-electric-ginetta-g50ev-through-channel-tunne/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/john-surtees-pilots-electric-ginetta-g50ev-through-channel-tunne/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Ginetta G50EV and John Surtees at the Channel Tunnel - click above for high-res gallery

Electric cars have been around for over 100 years, and Britain's Beaujolais Burlington Run has been going on for 37. The Channel Tunnel between the UK and France (a.k.a. "The Chunnel") turns 15 this year. On Tuesday, motor racing legend John Surtees added a bit of history to all three items by being the first person to drive a production car through the tunnel (usually, it's just trains and service vehicles down there). The F1 World Champion's vehicle of choice was an all-electric, all-sexy Ginetta G50EV.

Ginetta Cars has been making vehicles for 51 years, but the G50EV is something new. It's Ginetta's first EV, and is really the company's first entry into the "low carbon vehicle arena" full-stop. The car's three battery packs drive the rear wheels with a brushless DC motor in honor of Ginetta's sports car heritage. Officials say that the G50EV can go up to 120 mph and has a 250-mile range - plenty to cover the Chunnel's 31 miles.


Gallery: Ginetta G50EV and John Surtees at the Channel Tunnel


[Source: Telegraph | Images: Adrian Dennis/Getty]

John Surtees pilots electric Ginetta G50EV through Channel Tunnel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> channelchannel tunnelChannelTunnelchunnelg50G50Evginettaginetta g50ginetta g50evGinettaG50GinettaG50evjohn surteesJohnSurteessurtees Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:29:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/video-jay-leno-does-the-electric-tango/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/video-jay-leno-does-the-electric-tango/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/video-jay-leno-does-the-electric-tango/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Jay Leno drives Commuter Cars' Tango - click above to watch the video after the jump

Jay Leno likes him some electric Tango. No, not the new dance craze all the kids are talking texting about, but rather the oddly-narrow but very quick two-seater from Commuter Cars. Now, regular Autobloggreen readers have seen the Tango before, posing beside George Clooney or perhaps drag racing Tesla Roadsters, and many have commented (less than favorably) on its, um, nonconformist appearance. Perfect fodder, one might think, for a crack by someone who knows a thing or two about comedy. Instead, our man Jay Leno plays things pretty straight as he chats with its creator Rick Woodbury before taking it for a spin.

Watching the clip, you can tell that Leno really likes it, especially from behind the wheel. He reports it doesn't feel like a small car inside and really only looks weird from the outside. He likes that it's unique and finds the fact you can lane split with it to be hilarious. However, the real reason he states "It makes you smile..." has less to do with the Tango's width as it does with the fact that "it goes like stink," a point which he happily reiterates.

Despite its turn-of-speed, one of the Tango's biggest shortcoming is its 40 mile range at highway speeds. The car's heavy lead acid batteries are great for keeping it upright around hard corners, but you can't expect to go too far with yesteryear's technology. During their pre-drive talk, Commuter Cars' Woodbury revealed that the company is finally about to put lithium battery pack in a test car, and he expects for it to go up to 200 miles. All of which strikes us as a much more reasonable number if he ever expects to bring skinny back. Hit the jump for video of a little Tango in Jay's Garage.


Gallery: AltCar 2009: Tango EV


[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]




Top Gear

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango

VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Commuter CarsCommuterCarsJay Lenos GarageJayLenosGarageLenoRick WoodburyRickWoodburyTangoTango EVTangoEv Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST <![CDATA[New reality series <i>Family Armor</i> combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/new-reality-series-i-family-armor-i-combines-vehicle-bulletpr/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/new-reality-series-i-family-armor-i-combines-vehicle-bulletpr/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/new-reality-series-i-family-armor-i-combines-vehicle-bulletpr/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

We're not precisely sure how to treat this one, so we're going to go ahead and use the "jump in with both feet" method. TLC is launching a new reality show called Family Armor that follows the exploits of two Mormon brothers-in-law that build bulletproof cars for a living. That doesn't sounds so sexy. Try this quote from the press release on for size:
"When not at the factory, Trent is the father of six rowdy children and married to his live-wire of a wife, Courtney. Jason and his wife Lacy are first-time parents, working to catch up in the baby race. Trent and Jason devote their time to work, kin and religion...and along the way they get to shoot guns and blow things up."
Yeah! Much better, right? It's such a hairbrained, preposterous, stretch of an idea for a show that it just might work. Now, we know they're on different networks, but if Family Armor can somehow hook up with The Real Housewives of Atlanta, well, fireworks people - fireworks! Full press release after the jump.

[Source: TLC]

Continue reading New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons

New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> armored carArmoredCarBulletproofBulletproof CarBulletproof CarsBulletproofCarBulletproofCarscar armoryCarArmoryFamily ArmorFamilyArmorlearning channelLearningChannelmormonmormonismmormonsreality televisionReality TVRealityTelevisionRealityTvthe learning channelTheLearningChannelTLC Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:08:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Taylor Swift on the scourge that is bad parent drivers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/video-taylor-swift-on-the-scourge-that-is-bad-parent-drivers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/video-taylor-swift-on-the-scourge-that-is-bad-parent-drivers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/video-taylor-swift-on-the-scourge-that-is-bad-parent-drivers/#comments Filed under: , ,

Taylor Swift hosts Saturday Night Live - Click above to watch the video

Allow us to make a couple admissions. It's our opinion that with the notable exception of Celebrity Jeopardy, Saturday Night Live hasn't been funny since Belushi. Before she got upstaged by an apparently off-his-meds Kanye West, we thought Taylor Swift was a dry cleaner. That said, it's understandable that we had extremely low hopes (like, none) for a SNL sketch involving the young Miss Swift to be watchable, let alone funny.

But guess what? Us old dudes was wrong, way wrong! She's not only funny, but apparently installed a camera in our little sister's bedroom circa 1991. Talk about the perfect ensconced in misery, unhappy to be alive 15-year-old girl. And her reaction to the dangers of driving during the birds and the bees speech, well, just watch for yourself, after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Taylor Swift on the scourge that is bad parent drivers

VIDEO: Taylor Swift on the scourge that is bad parent drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Saturday Night LiveSaturdayNightLiveTaylor SwiftTaylorSwiftteenagersTeensTextingTexting while drivingTextingWhileDriving Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i>: A little history about everybody's favorite TV show]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/top-gear-a-little-history-about-everybodys-favorite-tv/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/top-gear-a-little-history-about-everybodys-favorite-tv/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/top-gear-a-little-history-about-everybodys-favorite-tv/#comments Filed under: ,



What if the Stig was known as the Gimp? It's doubtful Top Gear's mysterious racing driver - or the show itself - would have proved as enormously popular. Would you walk around in a shirt proclaiming, "I Am The Gimp?" Doubtful, but if Jeremy Clarkson and the show's producer Andy Wilman had had their way, that's what we'd be calling old Stiggy. Luckily, cooler angrier heads prevailed. Though it should be noted that the Stig was, in fact, based on the Gimp from Pulp Fiction, an "anonymous masked driver who never spoke."

You can read about all that and more in a very interesting article by the Guardian's Patrick Barkham. And it's not all about the motor-mouthed Clarkson and foul-mouthed (trust us) Wilman, Richard Hammond and James May get their proper due, too. For instance, May claims that he never would have done the show had he known how successful it would be, a point Hammond quickly dismisses. We don't want to spoil it too much more, but if you're a fan of the biggest TV show in the world (350 million viewers, constantly illegally downloaded), you're going to want to have a read. Tip of Stig's blanco racing helmet to Jon!

[Source: Guardian]

Top Gear: A little history about everybody's favorite TV show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Andu WilmanAnduWilmanAndy WilliamJames MayJamesMayJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonpulp fictionPulpFictionRichard HammondRichardHammondStigthe gimpThe StigTheGimpTheStigTop GearTopGear Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST <![CDATA[First Petty's Garage Challenger heading to Barrett-Jackson]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-pettys-garage-challenger-heading-to-barrett-jackson/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-pettys-garage-challenger-heading-to-barrett-jackson/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-pettys-garage-challenger-heading-to-barrett-jackson/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,


2009 Petty's Garage Dodge Challenger - Click above for high-res image gallery

And with this official decree, let it be known that one custom 2009 Dodge Challenger, painted in a very familiar and regal blue shall be offered for sale to the highest bidder in Arizona in the year of our lord, 2010. The vehicle in question shall serve as a rolling tribute to Richard the 43rd. Long live the King!

Richard Petty was one of the winningest drivers in stock car history. With a record seven Daytona 500 trophies, 127 poles, 200 overall wins (including a record 27 -- and ten-in-a-row -- races in 1967), and seven championships in his 34-year, 1,185-race career, it's no wonder he's called The King. His legendary Chryslers, Fords and Plymouths bearing the number 43 were mostly built at his race shop in Level Cross, NC. Now all the king's men are working to build on his legacy under the newly formed banner of Petty's Garage.

The company plans to work on "museum-quality" restorations of vintage race cars, custom cars and high performance street machines. To kick off the new business, Petty's Garage has built a 2009 Challenger that will be sold in a Petty Family Foundation charity auction at B-J in January.

Painted in the trademark Petty Blue, it features a 585-hp Hemi 426, Pedders suspension upgrades, Brembo Gran Turismo brakes, a new center exit Corsa exhaust system, plus a Petty's Garage body kit consisting of custom front fascia, rear bumper cover, custom rocker panels and a rear spoiler. The inside gets the royal touch as well, with Petty's Garage branded seats and door panels. We saw the car at SEMA and it's a looker. You can read more details in the press release we've pasted in after the jump and check out the gallery from SEMA as well.


Gallery: Petty's Garage Dodge Challenger


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Petty's Garage Dodge Challenger

Continue reading First Petty's Garage Challenger heading to Barrett-Jackson

First Petty's Garage Challenger heading to Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auctionBarrett Jacksonbarrett-jacksonBarrettJacksoncharitycharity auctionCharityAuctiondodgeDodge ChallengerDodgeChallengerLevel CrossLevelCrossPetty Family FoundationPettyFamilyFoundationPettys GaragePettysGarageRichard Pettyrichard petty dodge challengerRichardPettyRichardPettyDodgeChallenger Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Top Gear</i> Season 14 returns this Sunday]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/video-top-gear-season-14-returns-this-sunday/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/video-top-gear-season-14-returns-this-sunday/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/video-top-gear-season-14-returns-this-sunday/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Jeremy Clarkson returns for Top Gear Season 14 - Click above to watch video after the jump

Guess what boys and girls? Everyone's favorite car-related show is coming back for a fourteenth season! That's fantastic news for gearheads everywhere, especially considering that at the end of last season there was some speculation that Top Gear wouldn't be coming back at all. But of course, here they are.

What adventures will JC, May and and Hammond (and let's not forget Stiggie!) get up to this season? We're glad you asked. A few months ago we told y'all about how the boys got caught in Romania driving some very precious metal (Lamborghini LP560-4 Spyder, Ferrari California, Aston Martin DBS Volante) up in the Carpathian Mountains on a very special highway known as the Transfagarasan Road. And that's what we get at the very end of the preview trailer.

What other adventures do the boys get up to during the very short teaser trailer? Season 14 looks to be more of the same, thankfully. You got a delivery van race, some sort of cheapo challenge where's Jezza's car catches fire, a hot hatch speeding through a drainage pipe and a homemade tank/Hummer H1. We also tracked down a late night, second bottle of whiskey type screed from one of TG's producers, but we can't make heads or tails of it. Anyhow, make the jump to watch the trailer.

[Source: BBC 2]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear Season 14 returns this Sunday

VIDEO: Top Gear Season 14 returns this Sunday originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> James MayJamesMayJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonJezzaRichard HammondRichardHammondStigThe StigTheStigTop GearTop Gear 14Top Gear Season 14TopGearTopGear14TopGearSeason14 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/video-jay-leno-drives-the-1970-hotchkis-e-max-challenger/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/video-jay-leno-drives-the-1970-hotchkis-e-max-challenger/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/video-jay-leno-drives-the-1970-hotchkis-e-max-challenger/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Jay Leno and the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger - Click above to watch video after the jump

Well, well, well -- look who's jumping on our Hotchkis bandwagon. It's none other than Jay Leno behind the wheel of the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger! What a wonderful beast of an automobile.

To refresh your memory a bit, the suspension gurus at Hotchkis wanted to build a classic muscle car that not only looked and sounded the part, but that handled like a modern performance car. In fact, they wanted to take things a step further, so they went and built an auto-crosser. To quote ourselves, "Tooling around the 'hood a bit I'm slightly amazed at how much the bright yellow Dodge feels like a go kart. A gigantic go kart, but a go kart nonetheless."

And guess what? Jay feels the same way. Well, not quite the same, as he compares the handling to a Lamborghini. We're not prepared to go quite so far, but there is no question that as far as 1970 Mopars go, this is the best handling one out there, period. One thing Jay does that we didn't get to do is place the E-Max on a lift and get a guided tour of all the fancy-pants suspension components from none other than John Hotchkis himself. They examine the poly-bushings, the shiny tie-rods and the elegant A-arms that make up the E-Max's sophisticated front end, as well as the less-than-modern (but still nifty) solid-axle leaf-sprung rear. Then they venture out into the streets of Burbank for a little hoonage, including a smoky burnout. Watch the video, after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger T/A


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1970 Dodge Challenger1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger1970DodgeChallenger1970HotchkisE-maxChallengerChallengerDodge ChallengerDodgeChallengerE-MaxHotchkisHotchkis ChallengerHotchkis E-MaxHotchkis E-Max ChallengerHotchkisChallengerHotchkisE-maxHotchkisE-maxChallengerJay LenoJay Lenos GarageJayLenoJayLenosGarageLeno Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:32:00 EST <![CDATA[Triumph and TAG Heuer honor Steve McQueen with special Bonneville]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/triumph-and-tag-heuer-honor-steve-mcqueen-with-special-bonnevill/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/triumph-and-tag-heuer-honor-steve-mcqueen-with-special-bonnevill/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/triumph-and-tag-heuer-honor-steve-mcqueen-with-special-bonnevill/#comments Filed under: ,

Triumph Bonneville Heuer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Triumph and TAG Heuer have joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind Bonneville Heuer motorcycle. Inspired by Steve McQueen and the Porsche 917 K that the famous actor, racer and motorcycle rider piloted in the classic film Le Mans, the Bonneville Heuer is painted up in the classic Gulf Oil blue and orange scheme and will be used for promotional purposes.

McQueen famously wore a Heuer Monaco watch in the aforementioned silver screen race drama and was a renowned Triumph enthusiast. Says Neil Morley, Triumph's Head of Brand Communications:
We are delighted to play our part in this exciting project. The Triumph Bonneville and TAG Heuer Monaco are both timeless masterpieces, celebrating their respective 50th and 40th anniversaries this year. We also both have a natural connection with Steve McQueen, who famously wore a Monaco watch in the film Le Mans and was renowned for his love of our bikes, making this a very natural collaboration.
As much as we'd like to tell you this will be an optional color choice for the production Bonneville, that's not currently the case. If you like it as much as we do, perhaps a phone call to your local Triumph dealer is in order.


Gallery: Triumph Bonneville Heuer


[Source: Triumph]

Continue reading Triumph and TAG Heuer honor Steve McQueen with special Bonneville

Triumph and TAG Heuer honor Steve McQueen with special Bonneville originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bonnevillebonneville heuerBonnevilleHeuerheuersteve mcqueenSteveMcqueentag heuerTagHeuertriumphtriumph bonnevilletriumph bonneville heuerTriumphBonnevilleTriumphBonnevilleHeuer Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:22:00 EST <![CDATA[ESPN: Danica Patrick close to two-year NASCAR Nationwide deal]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/espn-danica-patrick-close-to-two-year-nascar-nationwide-deal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/espn-danica-patrick-close-to-two-year-nascar-nationwide-deal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/espn-danica-patrick-close-to-two-year-nascar-nationwide-deal/#comments Filed under: ,



Rumors of IndyCar's Danica Patrick dipping a toe into the stock car racing pool have been swirling for months, but a new report suggests that an end to the rumors is near. ESPN says that Patrick is on the verge of signing a NASCAR Nationwide Series contract with JR Motorsports, the operation owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Unnamed sources that spoke to ESPN call the talks "near their final phase" and comment that it'd be a "surprise if it didn't happen." In any case, don't expect a formal announcement until sometime after the Sprint Cup chase draws to a conclusion on November 22.

The potential move to JR Motorsports was made possible when driver Brad Keslowski jumped ship to join Roger Penske's NASCAR Sprint Cup team. According to ESPN, Patrick is angling to drive the number 7 car (the same number she runs in IndyCar), which would replace the current JR Motorsports number 5 car. Since Danica will continue to run the full IndyCar schedule as well, she'd be a part-time driver for JR Motorsports, sharing the race car with Junior and another unnamed driver. If the signing happens and NASCAR gives its blessing, Danica will make her first stock car appearance in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA race on Feb. 6 during the Daytona Speedweeks, and go on to drive in 12 to 13 Nationwide Series races during the 2010 season. Frankly, given NASCAR's feel for marketing and Danica's undeniable celebrity, we see no way that she won't be in place for a debut during the February Speedweeks, assuming she does indeed ink the rumored deal.

[Source: ESPN | Image: Robert Laberge/Getty]

ESPN: Danica Patrick close to two-year NASCAR Nationwide deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Brad KeslowskiBradKeslowskidanicadanica patrickDanicaPatrickESPNIndy carIndyCarJr motorsportsjr motorsports ESPNJrMotorsportsJrMotorsportsEspnnascarnationwide seriesNationwideSeriesroger penskeRogerPenskesprint cupSprintCup Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #151: With Eddie Alterman of <i> Car and Driver </i>]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/autoblog-podcast-151-with-eddie-alterman-of-car-and-driver/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/autoblog-podcast-151-with-eddie-alterman-of-car-and-driver/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/autoblog-podcast-151-with-eddie-alterman-of-car-and-driver/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Abuelsamid, Lieberman, Roth and Shunk. Sounds like a law firm, but it's this week's podcast crew. Car and Driver editor-in-chief Eddie Alterman bravely wades into the pool and joins us for Episode #151 of the Autoblog Podcast, as well.

We spend a goodly amount of time going over what's in all five garages this week, before picking up actual topics. Once into news, we move through the Honda Accord Crosstour's pricing and impending launch, Ford's profitable quarter and union dealings, Edmunds' dust-up with the White House, and wrap with what might be cool at the crazy automotive cavalcade that is SEMA. It's an hour and twenty minutes of rollicking good times, so let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #151: With Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver

Autoblog Podcast #151: With Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastcar and drivercar driverCarAndDriverCarDrivercash for clunkersCashForClunkerseddie altermanEddieAltermanedmundsedmunds white houseEdmundsWhiteHouseFord salesford sales gainFord sales resultsford uawFordSalesFordSalesGainFordSalesResultsFordUawpodcastSEMAsema 2009Sema2009 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #151Autoblog1:20:42autoblog podcast, eddie alterman, car & driver, alterman, sema, uaw, ford, ford uaw, edmunds, cash for clunkers <![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Jay Leno Camaro a pre-emptive strike against EcoBoost 'Stang]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/sema-2009-jay-leno-camaro-a-pre-emptive-strike-against-ecoboost/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/sema-2009-jay-leno-camaro-a-pre-emptive-strike-against-ecoboost/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/sema-2009-jay-leno-camaro-a-pre-emptive-strike-against-ecoboost/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


2010 Chevrolet Jay Leno Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

What do you get the guy who has everything? For SEMA 2009, GM decided to go with the less-is-more approach and built Jay Leno his own special Camaro... with less. Less cylinders at any rate, as this V6 special more than makes up for its lack of firing pots by adding a pair of turbochargers.

The 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 is otherwise similar to the unit that resides in run-of-the-mill Camaro LS and LT models, but with the dual huffers helping it, it produces the same 425 horsepower as its V8-propelled SS brother. And in a playful EcoBoasting slap, Chevy points out that they get the extra performance with virtually no penalty in fuel economy. Take that, rumored EcoBoost Mustang!

Besides the power upgrades, the Leno Camaro also gets a beefed up clutch for its six-speed transmission, an upgraded radiator, Brembo brakes, a Pedders coil-over kit, and a bodykit that includes a new rear diffuser as well as a revised front fascia and hood with additional venting for brakes and engine. It's one of a handful of Camaros in the GM booth, but it's the only one sticking its chin out, egging on the Ford boys. Press release after the jump and full gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Jay Leno Camaro


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Jay Leno Camaro a pre-emptive strike against EcoBoost 'Stang

SEMA 2009: Jay Leno Camaro a pre-emptive strike against EcoBoost 'Stang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 camaro2010 Camaro SS2010 camaro v62010 chevy camaro2010 chevy camaro ss2010 chevy camaro v6 rs2010 Jay Leno Chevrolet Camaro2010Camaro2010CamaroSs2010CamaroV62010ChevyCamaro2010ChevyCamaroSs2010ChevyCamaroV6Rs2010JayLenoChevroletCamarocamarocamaro v6CamaroV6chevroletchevrolet camaroChevroletCamarochevy camaroChevyCamaroecoboostecoboost MustangEcoboostMustangJay Leno CamaroJay Leno Chevrolet CamaroJay Leno Chevy CamaroJayLenoCamaroJayLenoChevroletCamaroJayLenoChevyCamaroSEMAsema 2009sema 2009 genesis coupesema 209sema showsema show 2009Sema2009Sema2009GenesisCoupeSema209SemaShowSemaShow2009turbo CamaroTurboCamarotwin turbo Camarotwin-turbo CamaroTwin-turboCamaroTwinTurboCamaro Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST <![CDATA[<em>The Tonight Show</em> with Conan O'Brien welcomes 2010 Taurus SHO tonight!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/the-tonight-show-with-conan-obrien-welcomes-2010-tauru/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/the-tonight-show-with-conan-obrien-welcomes-2010-tauru/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/the-tonight-show-with-conan-obrien-welcomes-2010-tauru/#comments Filed under: , , ,


If Jay Leno were a Ferrari McLaren F1, Conan O'Brien would be a Ford Taurus SHO. Now hold on, that's not an insult to Conan, who just took over Jay's hosting duties on The Tonight Show. It's an actual fact: Jay owns a McLaren F1 and Conan drives a 1992 Ford Taurus SHO.

Conan's SHO has appeared on his... uh, show... a number of times in the past, though the most memorable cameo was this skit back in the Late Night with Conan O'Brien days. More recently, the SHO appeared on Conan's first episode hosting The Tonight Show, having made its way with the comic from New York to LA for the new gig.

As we all know, the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO is here and trying hard to revive the same excitement that the original used to snare such high profile owners as Conan O'Brien (and myself). So, of course we've been wondering when Conan's going to drop some coin on a 2010 SHO to replace the old one. While we don't know if he's actually going to buy one, we do have confirmation from Ford that the 2010 Taurus SHO will appear in a skit on The Tonight Show this evening with Conan. So set your DVRs to 11:30PM EST on NBC, and if that doesn't work, check back here tomorrow for a clip of the skit.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


[Source: Ford]

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien welcomes 2010 Taurus SHO tonight! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 ford taurus sho2010FordTaurusShoconan obrienConanObrienfordford taurus shoFordTaurusShotaurustaurus shoTaurusShothe tonight showTheTonightShow Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST <![CDATA[First shot of A-Team cast released, GMC van included [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/first-shot-of-a-team-cast-released-gmc-van-included/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/first-shot-of-a-team-cast-released-gmc-van-included/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/first-shot-of-a-team-cast-released-gmc-van-included/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

The A-Team was a pop culture phenomenon of the Eighties on par with Knight Rider and The Dukes of Hazard. And since Hannibal, B.A., Face and Murdoch hold a special place in the hearts and minds of Gen-Xers, it was only a matter of time before the super-fake action show hit the silver screen. After all, we already saw (unfortunately) the Dukes remake, and our own Alex Nunez liveblogged the sucktastic time waster that was the new (now canceled) Knight Rider series on NBC. All three shows have one thing in common; a bad ass vehicle that serves a different purpose in each show. B.A.'s GMC G-Series, with its red stripe and red turbine mag wheels was the command center for our favorite wrongly sought soldiers of fortune.

The A-Team hits theaters on June 11, 2010 and at the very least, the actors chosen are better than we expected. B.A Baracus will be played by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and the one and only Liam Neeson will play Hannibal. Bradley Cooper from The Hangover checks in as Face and Sharlto Copely will be the wacky pilot Murdoch. If that isn't enough star power for you, the beautiful Jessica Biel will play the part of Carissa Sosa. Naturally, the iconic GMC van is making a triumphant return to the A-Team, though we're guessing General Motors isn't going to stand for blacking out the GMC lettering from the van's grille like the show's creators did after season one.

We'd love it if this plan came together, though we admit that we're not hopeful. These "turn a TV show into a movie" deals seldom work out the way our inner children hope for. Hit the jump to watch interviews with some of the movie's stars.

[Source: ETOnline via Auto-Focus]

Continue reading First shot of A-Team cast released, GMC van included [w/VIDEO]

First shot of A-Team cast released, GMC van included [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> a-teama-team vanA-teamVanB.A. BaracusB.a.Baracusba baracusBaBaracusBradley CooperBradleyCoopergmc vanGmcVanhannibalJessica BielJessicaBielLiam NeesonLiamNeesonQuinton JacksonQuinton Rampage JacksonQuintonJacksonQuintonRampageJacksonSharito CopleySharitoCopleySharlto CopleySharltoCopleyvandura Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST <![CDATA[2009 Race of Champions heads to Beijing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/2009-race-of-champions-heads-to-beijing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/2009-race-of-champions-heads-to-beijing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/2009-race-of-champions-heads-to-beijing/#comments Filed under: , ,


2008 Race of Champions at Wembley Stadium - Click above for high-res image gallery

Most of this year's major motorsport series are winding to a close. Champions are being crowned. Teams are preparing for next year. You know what that means: it's time for the Race of Champions.

The international event has been held for the past twenty years, and it always offers a real spectacle as some of the world's best drivers compete for top honors. And this year figures to be no different. Held for the first time outside of Europe at the Bird's Nest Olympic stadium in Beijing, the 2009 Race of Champions is set to take place next week, packed with an all-star roster.

Among those taking part this year will be newly-crowned Formula One World Champion Jenson Button, seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher, recently retired F1 stalwart David Coulthard and rising star Sebastian Vettel. Although six-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb - who won the RoC last year and twice before that - has apparently opted to sit this one out, perennial runner-up Mikko Hirvonen will be competing, along with Audi's multiple Le Mans winners Tom Kristensen and Emanuele Pirro; touring car champions Andy Priaulx, Mattias Ekstrom, Jamie Whincup and Yvan Muller; Dakar winner Giniel deVilliers, Monegasque single-seat racer Clivio Piccione and Australian bike racer Mick Doohan. And finally, these United States will be represented by two of our very finest showmen, Travis Pastrana and Tanner Foust.

This year, the champions will be competing for bragging rights behind the wheels of such varied machinery as the Ford Focus WRC, Volkswagen Scirocco, KTM X-Bow, Solution F Prototype Opel touring car and three different specially-equipped sprint cars. Tune in on Tuesday, November 3 - just two days after the 2009 Formula One World Championship wraps up in Abu Dhabi - for the results.


Gallery: 2008 Race of Champions


[Source: Race of Champions | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

2009 Race of Champions heads to Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 race of champions2009RaceOfChampionsbeijingbirds nestBirdsNestClivio PiccioneClivioPiccioneDavid CoulthardDavidCoulthardEmanuele PirroEmanuelePirroGiniel deVilliersGinielDevilliersJenson ButtonJensonButtonMichael SchumacherMichaelSchumacherMike DoohanMikeDoohanMikko HirvonenMikkoHirvonenrace of championsRaceOfChampionsrocSebastian VettelSebastianVettelSebastien LoebSebastienLoebTanner FaustTannerFaustTom KristensenTomKristensenTravis PastranaTravisPastrana Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST