Autoblog

VIDEO: Autobots on the roll

John Neff — 2008-08-28T16:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Videos, Toys, Lifestyle, Celebrities

Click above to view video after the jump

Michael Bay's first attempt at bringing the Autobots into the real world, the 2007 live action Transformers film, has been all over HBO lately. When looking for HD programming to justify the expense of a flat screen and DirecTV to the Mrs., this movie really hits the spot. So in addition to once in the theater, I've seen it about 10 more times at home. Suffice it to say, I'm ready for T2: Revenge of the Fallen. While we've seen plenty of shots from filming and learned that the once mysterious addition to the Autobots is in fact the Corvette Centennial concept, we haven't had so much as a teaser trailer yet to wet our whistle. The video after the jump is a mere sip, but it will have to do for now. Thought to be shot in Long Beach, CA where filming has moved, it features a caravan of Autobots obeying the most famous of all Optimus Prime orders: Roll Out! The group includes Optimus, of course, and Bumblebee and Ironhide, as well as the Chevy Beat and Trax concepts and the Corvette Centennial concept. There's no sign of any Decepticons yet, but you just wait. Follow the jump to watch the video in high-res for yourself.

[Source: TFLiveBlog via eGMCarTech]

Continue reading VIDEO: Autobots on the roll

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Fast and Furious 4 trailer debuts

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-26T08:27:00+00:00

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lifestyle, Celebrities

Click above for gallery of stills from Fast and Furious 4

Could it be? Could the fourth installment of The Fast and the Furious be... as good (we use that word loosely) as the first movie? Perhaps even good enough to make us forget the installments that followed, both of which tried to shoot poison darts through our eyes and into our brains? Too early to make predictions, but for now we can certainly enjoy the trailer, which is high on action and light on dialogue -- just like we like our action films. And unlike some other action trailers, the stunts will get your blood going but don't require you to believe that Jason Statham should be shooting laser beams out of his eyes. Follow the jump for the video and The Return of the Vin. Thanks for the tip, Brodiemash!

Gallery: Fast and Furious 4

[Source: DumbDrum]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fast and Furious 4 trailer debuts

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Audi R8 puts angels in danger in Midnight Club: LA

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-25T19:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Videos, Supercars, Audi

Midnight Club: LA is on its way, and the developers at Rockstar Games just released a new video of an Audi R8 doing its thing through the concrete jungle. The name of the game: arcade. Or better names might be 'free-for-all' and 'pedestrians, watch out!' It's cut like an MTV video, so it's hard to get a feel for the flow of the action, but all you need to know is that there'll be plenty of it -- action, that is. And if nothing else, it does seem to accurately depict how actual R8 drivers tend to pilot their cars... Follow the jump for the video.

[Source: Rockstar]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi R8 puts angels in danger in Midnight Club: LA

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Transporter 3 trailer debuts, could be worse than Transporter 2

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-25T18:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lifestyle

The first Transporter was a nifty little romp. The second one was an absurd little romp. This third installment, befitting a director whose last name is Megaton, has absolutely overdosed on the outlandish. But apparently you've all spoken by making the first two profitable, and this is what you want. The plot in the third film is like John Woo redid Crank, but with a detonating bracelet and an Audi. And as much as we dig Jason Statham, if he doesn't hit the brakes soon he's on his way to becoming the pauper's Nicholas Cage. Or the rich man's Steven Segal, which might not be so bad... Follow the jump to check out the trailer. Thanks for the tip, JP!

[Source: Trailer Addict]

Continue reading VIDEO: Transporter 3 trailer debuts, could be worse than Transporter 2

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Video: Jaguar XF-R caught on tape

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-22T18:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Videos, Jaguar

Click above to view video after the jump

The coming Jaguar XF-R has been caught in the valley of death. It was accompanied by a Jaguar XJ mule and shepherded by a fleet of Land Rovers charged with blocking the all-seeing eye of someone's Sony Handycam. Fortunately for us, they failed. The driver of this particular prototype XF-R couldn't keep his foot off the throttle, as at different points in the video you hear the growl of a big displacement V8 and the accompanying scream of a supercharger. Other than vents in the hood to let that 5-liter V8 breathe, the body modifications look to be exceptionally tame. With 500 horsepower, however, its acceleration should be quite the opposite. Follow the jump to check out the video.

[Source: YouTube via Carscoop]

Continue reading Spy Video: Jaguar XF-R caught on tape

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Top Gear channel launches on YouTube

Noah Joseph — 2008-08-21T13:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Videos

Click for the Top Gear channel welcome video on YouTube

Top Gear is easily the most popular car show in the world, and one of the most popular shows altogether. But since it doesn't reach every corner the globe, the daily miracle that is the internet fills in the gaps. The BBC's approach to the online airing of Top Gear episodes has been an ongoing saga, with the company initially ordering YouTube to take them down, then putting the episodes on their own site before striking a deal with YouTube to allow episodes to be shown on the popular online video portal. The latest chapter in the saga now has Top Gear launching its own YouTube channel, which has now gone live. The channel features a vast library of Top Gear segments, including car reviews celebrity interviews and of course the famous epic challenges. All in all some 30 new clips have been added, and the channel will also host viewer competitions for prizes and whatnot. The new channel could potentially also host episodes of the American and upcoming Australian versions of the series as well, but we'll have to wait and see on that one.

Follow the jump to watch a video of Top Gear magazine editor Michael Harvey introducing the new Top Gear channel (and instantly realize why he's not hosting the TV show), and click right here to jump to the Top Gear channel on YouTube.

[Source: Top Gear YouTube via FinalGear.com]

Continue reading Top Gear channel launches on YouTube

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport's umbrella roof in action

Noah Joseph — 2008-08-21T12:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Videos, Supercars, Bugatti

Click above to watch the video after the jump

You can't go lopping the top off of a $1.5 million supercar without replacing it with something. Well, you could, but not if you're going to sell it for more than $2 million apiece. That's why when Bugatti unveiled the new Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, the automaker made sure to demonstrate not one, but two removable roofs that will be included with the targa hypercar. The first is a transparent polycarbonate hard-top section that can be removed and stowed for open-air driving. But in case the obscenely wealthy driver finds himself caught in an unexpected torrential downpour (or just a drizzle, for that matter), Bugatti has also developed an umbrella-like soft-top that can be deployed in an emergency. Unfortunately, the fabric roof section can't withstand the 252 mph top speed that the polycarbonate solid roof can, limiting speeds to an embarrassing 80 mph.

The deployment of the fabric temporary roof was a little difficult to describe in words and pictures, but fortunately our Latin friends at Autoblog En Espanol have found a video of the roof in action. Follow the jump to check it out.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Live Debut

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport's umbrella roof in action

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Larger of view of production Volt, debut at centennial?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-18T15:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet

Click above to watch a video with slides of the production Chevy Volt

We got our first sneak peek at the production Chevy Volt last week, but a recent presentation by Bob Boniface, director of design for the Volt, has revealed a bit more. We've pasted a video of the presentation and slide show after the break, and in it Boniface notes how the concept's straight lines and tight corners have been smoothed over and rounded out in an effort to reduce turbulence. This streamlining improves the Volt's fuel mileage, range on electricity and the amount of regenerative braking that can be captured. Also seen for the first time is a rear shot of the Volt, showing a pronounced "vertical fin," and a new rear spoiler design. Likewise, the side-view mirrors' mounting arrangement was revised for reduced aerodynamic drag. These changes, along with countless others which have not been fully revealed, have allowed the Volt's engineers and designers to increase EV-only range by six to seven miles.

While we're salivating over all the little tidbits of information on the Volt, we look forward to its official debut expected in Paris at the Motor Show this October. However, recent rumors indicate that the extended-range electric-vehicle could be seen at GM's Centennial celebration on September 16. Thanks for the tip, Emil!

Gallery: Production Chevy Volt

[Sources: GM-Volt, Green Fuels Forecast, The Detroit Free Press]

Continue reading VIDEO: Larger of view of production Volt, debut at centennial?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Woodward 2008: LIVE STREAMING the Cruise!

Sam Abuelsamid — 2008-08-16T14:35:00+00:00

Filed under: Time Warp, Videos

UPDATE: After streaming a view of Woodward Ave. for over 8 hours, the live feed has been turned off. It was a great success and we plan on doing it again next year. If you have any suggestions on how to improve this feature, let us know in the comments.

Can't make it to Detroit for the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise? We got your back. Follow the jump for a live streaming view of Woodward Ave. and watch the famous four-lane road (one way) fill up with classics, muscle cars, exotics and the oddest autos you've ever seen. We're going to keep the stream going all day long (barring technical difficulties), so check back often. Peak time of the cruise is 12-4 PM EST, at which time Woodward turns into a parking lot so each car has plenty of time to stop and wave at the camera.

CLICK HERE to watch live stream of the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise.

Continue reading Woodward 2008: LIVE STREAMING the Cruise!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Schumi shows off Ferrari 430 Scuderia to customers

Noah Joseph — 2008-08-15T16:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Car Buying, Videos, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above to watch the video

Not that the deal would need to be sweetened, but buying the latest Ferrari supercar comes with perks. For a group of European customers who came to Maranello to take possession of their new 430 Scuderias, that included a hands-on advanced driving course to show them what their new rides could do. And who better to demonstrate the capabilities of the fastest car ever to lap Fiorano than the driver who helped develop it? Follow the jump and you'll find a video of Michael Schumacher glad-handing the millionaires and their new rides around Ferrari's private on-site test track, posting hot laps and drifting around the wet handling course. Prepare to be jealous.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2007: Ferrari F430 Scuderia

[Source: FerrariWorld channel on YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Schumi shows off Ferrari 430 Scuderia to customers

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

When words are not enough: Maserati GranTurismo S on video

Noah Joseph — 2008-08-15T11:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Videos, Maserati

Click above to watch the video

Try as we might, there are just some things that words just cannot express. For automotive enthusiasts like us, those things usually have four wheels and, more often than not, come from Italy. Take the Maserati GranTurismo, which only grew more desirable in our eyes with the addition of the 4.7-liter V8 from the even more luscious Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. We could gladly write all day about its achingly gorgeous lines and impeccable attention to detail, to say nothing of the rip-roaring powertrain, but we just couldn't do it justice. And so we bring you this video, which you can watch after the jump. Enjoy.

Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo S

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading When words are not enough: Maserati GranTurismo S on video

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Lamborghini gets a bath courtesy of city fountain

Chris Shunk — 2008-08-14T18:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above to view video after the jump

We received over a dozen tips about a hot video including a Lamborghini Gallardo (good start) and some aqueous material of the municipal kind, so we had to see the motion pictures for ourselves. We pictured a hot yellow Lambo crashing into a huge fountain, or some scantily clad young lady giving the Italian supercar a bath, but we got none of the above. What we did see is some guy using a blue bucket to transport water from a homely looking city fountain and dousing it on his prized Gallardo. To complicate the news-worthiness of the video, it looks like it was captured with a camera phone, it's shot from across the street, and the guy doesn't even seem very excited about saving $4 at the local car wash. But, you asked for it, so we've provided the video after the jump for your enjoyment (or indifference). Power to the people! Thanks for the tip, everyone!

[Source: Auto Market]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lamborghini gets a bath courtesy of city fountain

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari California enters the world of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

Noah Joseph — 2008-08-14T13:31:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Videos, Supercars, Ferrari

With Ferrari's road and race cars taking advantage of the latest emerging technologies, someone inside the marketing department in Maranello has taken the bold initiative to bring the company's PR into the same realm by utilizing popular electronic media. For its latest supercar, the highly-anticipated Ferrari California, the company has been releasing bits and pieces on a dedicated, flash-enhanced website, and the latest installment has just hit cyberspace.

For this episode, Ferrari has teamed up with the wiz-kids at Polyphony Digital who are the brains behind the Gran Turismo franchise. They offer up an adrenaline-pumping virtual reality video of the California racing through the virtual streets of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue in the same style as the game's intro. And now that they have the car scanned, it shouldn't be long before you can download the California on your PS3 to drive in the game. We hope. Follow the Source link below, click "virtual test drive" and "play film" to watch the clip. Oh, and clear some time in your schedule, because the video will make you want to play video games all weekend. Enjoy.

[Source: Ferrari]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 does epic burnouts, we have proof

Chris Shunk — 2008-08-13T21:16:00+00:00

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for high-res gallery of the ZR1 doing burnouts

The Corvette ZR1 has some sick, nasty, evil power. Hitting the pedal will propel you to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and in the hands of a skilled professional, this blue-collar supercar can lap the 'Ring in 7:26:4. There is no question that 638 horsepower and a 3,300-lb curb weight is good for getting you somewhere in a big fat hurry, but in the right hands it can also get you nowhere fast. One particular Development Engineer is the General's number one burnout artist, and we captured video of him creating two 300-foot works of art. We love the rubber-ripping smoke storm and sound of the LS9 at full tilt, but we're not so sure this unsuspecting set of Michelin Pilot Sport 2s shares our excitement.

Follow the jump to view video of both burnouts, and click on the gallery below to see the high resolution stills.

Gallery: Covette ZR1 burnouts

Continue reading VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 does epic burnouts, we have proof

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Time lapse build of Subaru rally car over 800 hours

Drew Phillips — 2008-08-13T19:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

Click above to view video after the jump

It's no secret that running a motorsports team is a lot of work, but probably most of us don't know how much time and effort it really takes. Just building the race cars can take hundreds of man hours, as evidenced by this stop-motion video created by the U.S. Subaru rally team. Starting with a stock 2008 WRX STI, the team strips the car down to its frame by removing the engine, drivetrain, interior and even the windshield. The complete transformation takes an amazing 800 hours of labor. Knowing that makes us cringe even more when we see one roll end over end. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading VIDEO: Time lapse build of Subaru rally car over 800 hours

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: AeroMotions downforce splitting rear spoiler in action

John Neff — 2008-08-13T17:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Tech, Videos

Click above to view video of the AeroMotrions wing in action

Earlier this week we introduced you to the AeroMotions downforce splitting rear spoiler, a wing that's split in two and uses an onboard computer to selectively adjust the pitch of each wing section to provide the maximum amount of traction for any given situation. At the time all we had was a single picture from the spoiler's debut at an autocrossing event in California, but the company has since released video of said autocrossing showing the wing in action. Watching the video after the jump, you can clearly see how this thing works. Turn left and the driver-side part of the wing flips up to increase downforce and keep the inside rear wheel planted. Turn right and the opposite happens. Floor the car in a straight line and both halves of the wing level out. The amazing thing is how fast each section of the wing reacts, as its constantly adjusting the angles in real time. Follow the jump to check it out for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Vince!

[Source: AeroMotions]

Continue reading VIDEO: AeroMotions downforce splitting rear spoiler in action

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-13T13:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Tech, Videos, Supercars, Audi, Toys

Click above to view video after the jump

Alex Roy, currently locked in an M5 with our own Damon Lavric, recently got a video tour of a rather nifty Audi R8 owned by someone who insists he remain nameless. Codenamed Blackbird, the coupe is stuffed with enough gadgets to be a testbed for NASA's shuttle replacement, but don't for a second think the interior resembles a jungle of wires, screens and antennae: all the electronic gear is seamlessly integrated in a most impressive way. A sample of the wares in the blacked out supercar with the gunmetal gray blade include four GPS units, two radar detectors, police scanner, CB radio, kill switch for all rear lights, high-speed broadband Internet with Wi-Fi running on a tablet PC, power ports, takedown lights, a remote-controlled exhaust bypass valve, and -- get this -- a liquid-cooled infrasonic wave pulse generator. Apparently, you don't want to stand by that last item if you wish to have children. Follow the jump for the whole story in moving pictures. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lotus develops Concept Ice Vehicle for Antarctic expedition

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-13T12:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Videos, Lotus, UK

Click above for high-res gallery of the Lotus Concept Ice Vehicle

We can forget all about the price of gas when we get news like this. Sure, we'll probably never ride in the Concept Ice Vehicle (CIV), but just knowing that folks at Lotus are working on things like this while we sleep... well, it's like finding out that there is a Santa Claus.

The CIV was developed to aid research for the Moon Regan TransAntarctic Expedition. The biofuel powered, propeller-driven trike on skids is 4.5 meters long and 4.5 meters wide with an independent suspension all around. It also has an ice penetrating radar to detect crevasses and is light enough for a man to pull it across difficult terrain, which basically makes it an Elise for explorers. It also appears to have a spiked "foot" under the cockpit, perhaps for stopping on icy terrain.

The CIV will lead the way for two other, heavier support vehicles as the explorers make their way from one Antarctic coast to the other. If you think the CIV is cool, have a look at the Econoline van, each with six independently-driven 44" tires. These monster vehicles were engineered by those kooky folks in, where else, Iceland. Check out the gallery of CIV photos below, and follow the jump for two videos of the slickest sled on snow.

Gallery: Lotus Concept Ice Vehicle

[Source: Zercustoms]

Continue reading Lotus develops Concept Ice Vehicle for Antarctic expedition

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Ford Mustang burnout in slow-motion

Drew Phillips — 2008-08-12T20:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Videos, Ford

Comedian extraordinaire Dave Chappelle theorized on his Comedy Central show that everything looks better in slow motion. We'd be inclined to agree, especially after watching this video of a Ford Mustang doing a burnout. No doubt there are burnout videos with better cars or more smoke, but the slow motion effect combined with a soundtrack from Smashing Pumpkins makes this one of the coolest burnout videos we've ever seen. Follow the jump to watch the unhurried destruction of tire tread.

[Source: YouTube via MustangBlog.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford Mustang burnout in slow-motion

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

LIVE: Autoblogger doing I-80 in 40 hours with Alex Roy

John Neff — 2008-08-12T15:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Click above to watch the 80 in 40 streaming live

When Damon asked if he could take two days off from blogging to do a cross-country road trip with his buddies, I wanted to break the news to him gently that it takes more than two days to drive across the U.S. of A. Then he told me his buddies were Davey G. Johnson and Alex Roy, the current record holder for doing a transcontinental run in 30 hours and 4 minutes, and that their transportation would be Roy's own BMW M5 "Team Polizei" car. Their plan is to travel the entire length of Interstate 80 from the George Washington Bridge in NYC to the Bay Bridge in San Francisco and then own down to Monterey for this weekend's events surrounding the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The pace will be a little slower than Roy's record run, with 40 hours being the target time from start to finish.

Of course, I released Damon from his blogging bonds and wished him well in his duties as co-driver. The trio began their trip this morning and are streaming a live feed of their journey on Roy's blog, Gumball144.com, as we speak. I just watched them pass a Doritos truck in Pennsylvania. (Be aware that the feed will go dark sometimes as their EVDO card hits an area without reception, and keep your volume down as they like to drive with the windows open.) Damon will be reporting on his experience over the next two days, so keep an eye out to learn what it's like to road trip with professionals.

UPDATE 1: Just to clarify, they are not racing across the country and don't care much if they miss arriving in California within 40 hours. They have also not been pulled over or "busted" as some commenters believe.
UPDATE 2: Damon's behind the wheel!

[Source: Gumball144.com]

Permalink | Email this | Comments