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: Old Dirty Bastards - The glory of Group B]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-old-dirty-bastards-the-glory-of-group-b/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-old-dirty-bastards-the-glory-of-group-b/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-old-dirty-bastards-the-glory-of-group-b/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Group B Quattro
The gorgeous insanity of Group B - Click above to watch the video

You know, there's a reason people talk about Group B racing - and the drivers who participated in it - in practically hushed tones. After all, we're currently in an era where motorsports news is just as likely to be about ever-more-restrictive regulatory efforts or the deranged hooker fantasies of the F1 illuminati as it is about, you know, racing. But during Group B's brief, crazy tenure, it was the regulations that fostered the lunacy, giving us unforgettable, insanely-powered cars and legendary drivers.

Of course, immense power and infinitesimal margins for error meant that the dangers were high -- for the drivers, obviously, but also for the spectators, who were, in their own ways, as bonkers as the factory pilots they idolized and flocked to see, forming masses of humanity that routinely spilled onto the circuits as the hyper-powered rally cars flew by. Eventually, those dangers led to tragedy, which, in turn, led to the abrupt end of the Group B era. But it's not easily forgotten, and every so often, someone posts a reminder why.

Follow the jump for eleven minutes of heaven, edited together (miraculously) without a lick of crappy, distracting music. The only soundtrack you'll hear is the one coming from Group B cars engineered to explore the limits, piloted by drivers who routinely (and expertly) exceeded them. It is, in a word, beautiful. Thanks to Danijel for the tip.

[Source: YouTube via MyCarVid]

Continue reading VIDEO: Old Dirty Bastards - The glory of Group B

VIDEO: Old Dirty Bastards - The glory of Group B originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> group bGroupBnostalgiaracingrallyRally CarRallyCarrallyingvideo Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:55:00 EST <![CDATA[Bogus car hauler stealing luxury autos from dealers in several states?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Hauler

Luxury cars are nice. Most people would consider some kind of sacrifice to own one, while others plant their behinds in Corinthian Leather through ill-gotten gains. When something is desirable, there's no end to the scheming. The latest tactic for driving luxe without earning it is pretty blatant: just show up and take it! Automotive News reports that the FBI is currently looking into an operation that's using the identity of Atlas Towing and Recovery of Illinois, a real, legitimate business, to take luxury vehicles right out from under the noses of dealerships.

The false haulers are apparently showing up at dealers and picking up cars using Atlas Towing's credentials, causing the National Auto Auction Association to send out a warning. Over the summer, Manheim Auto Auctions also got hit with a fake car hauler, and that operation is believed to be connected to the more recent activity. Dealers have been warned to notify the authorities if anyone posing as Atlas Towing and Recovery comes calling and and tries to pick up vehicles. It is pretty slick, though, showing up with a truck and an air of official-ness. Points for cleverness, but it's likely not clever enough to avoid capture eventually.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req, | Image: BringATrailer]

Bogus car hauler stealing luxury autos from dealers in several states? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auction auto theftAuctionAutoTheftauto theftauto theft schemeAutoTheftAutoTheftSchemecar auction theftcar theftcar theftsCarAuctionTheftCarTheftCarTheftsfake auto transport schemeFakeAutoTransportSchemevintage auto theftVintageAutoTheft Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:34:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Allard J2X MkII]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-jay-leno-drives-the-allard-j2x-mkii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-jay-leno-drives-the-allard-j2x-mkii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-jay-leno-drives-the-allard-j2x-mkii/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Jay Leno and the Allard J2X MkII - click above to watch the video

It's not like we need another reason to be sickeningly jealous of Jay Leno, but along comes this video. In it Jay drives perhaps our favorite car from the 2009 LA Auto Show, the hugely lovely and impressive Allard J2X MkII. Only unlike the 500-ish horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi powered J2X MkII we got to look at, Jay blasts around the streets of Burbank, CA in a 600-hp 6.1-liter Hemi version. Grrr. Still, the Allard is such a desirable beast - and to see it in motion such a treat - that we'll tuck our Jay-based jealously back into its hole. This time... Watch the video, after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Allard J2X MkII

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Allard J2X MkII originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AllardAllard J2XAllard J2X MkIIAllardJ2xAllardJ2xMkiiHemiJayJay LenoJay Lenos GarageJayLenoJayLenosGarageLeno Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII drops our jaw]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-allard-j2x-mkii-drops-our-jaw/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-allard-j2x-mkii-drops-our-jaw/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-allard-j2x-mkii-drops-our-jaw/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Allard J2X MkII - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tucked away into the nookiest cranny of the LA Auto Show and literally parked behind a Morgan sits the Allard J2X MkII, perhaps the most breathtaking car in the joint. You nerds out there might be saying, "They dragged an admittedly concours-condition J2X out to Los Angeles? Big deal." Which is precisely what we thought as we strolled right past the spiffy, spankin' Allard for nearly two days. But then we took a closer look. Why would someone fit humongous Wilwood brakes to a vintage car?

Because this puppy ain't vintage. See that "MkII" suffix hanging off the end of the title there? This Allard is all new. As in a modern, hand-built continuation of the original Allard. Not only does the Allard Registry recognize the roadster and issue each one its own continuation serial number, but the president of Allard Motor Works is named Roger Allard - though he's not a descendant of founder Sydney Allard. But even if it wasn't a bang-on recreation of the hugely successful 1951-1954 J2X race car, this car would tickle us you know where.

Why? So many reasons.



Besides the usual "Just look at it!" bloviation, the frame is built from tubular steel with double roll bars covering the cowl and fuel tank. And inboard rear-brakes. Then there's the absolutely stunning, jewelery-like hand-fitted instruments and aluminum dash. And the red leather. And the leather hood straps. And the (functional) portholes. The knock-off hubs. The twin side-pipes. And on and on and on. And on.

Then there's the little (or not so little) matter of what's under the hood. In this particular car, it's a 5.7-liter Chrysler Hemi V8 with a massive throttle body and a lot of other reworked jazz that's good for around 500 horsepower. You want a 600-hp 6.1-liter Hemi? Not a problem. You can also opt for a Chevy 350, Caddy Northstar or Ford 351. The sprint from zero to 60 happens in about 4.5 seconds and, depending on the motor, you could pop off a quarter-mile in the low 12 seconds at 110 mph.

Currently the Allard J2X is being built in two places (Montreal and Upstate New York), although there are plans to move to a single factory soon. Roger Allard plans on keeping the new Allard pretty exclusive, limiting its numbers to just one hundred per year. Oddly, about a quarter of that total is slated for Australia. Or maybe not so oddly, as when we shut our eyes we can totally picture ourselves blasting across the Outback in a J2X MkII, bugs in our teeth and roos bouncing off the nerf bars. Cost of entry? The new Allard starts at $138,500.


Gallery: LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII


[Source: Allard]

LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII drops our jaw originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowAllardAllard J2XAllard J2X MkIIAllardJ2xAllardJ2xMkiiHemiLA 2009LA Auto ShowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowSydney AllardSydneyAllard Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Back to the Future: 1969 Danz Camaro concept goes the wrong direction]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/back-to-the-future-1969-danz-camaro-concept-goes-the-wrong-dire/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/back-to-the-future-1969-danz-camaro-concept-goes-the-wrong-dire/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/back-to-the-future-1969-danz-camaro-concept-goes-the-wrong-dire/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


1969 Danz Camaro concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's really nothing wrong with the first-generation Chevy Camaro, except perhaps for the fact that rows upon rows of them can be seen at every single car show in America. In fact, so ubiquitous is the 1969 model that there are a couple of aftermarket companies willing to build you a brand new example from the ground up utilizing just about zero OEM bits or pieces.

This being the case, it's hardly surprising that this is the model year The General chose to mimic with its new fifth-gen Camaro for 2010. But what would happen if you could somehow jump to-and-fro through the time/space continuum in your Mr. Fusion-equipped DeLorean time machine and transport yourself back to '69 with visions of the 2010 model in your head?

Answering that question-that-nobody-asked is the 1969 Danz Camaro SS concept car, which you can see in the high-res image gallery below. Words cannot describe the initial reaction we had when opening this sucker up in our browsers for the first time, so we'll just say that we hope its creator kept the original pieces in the garage when it comes time to sell. Yikes!


Gallery: 1969 Danz Camaro Concept


[Source: Carpictures.com via Carscoop]

Back to the Future: 1969 Danz Camaro concept goes the wrong direction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1969 camaro1969Camarocamarochevroletchevrolet camaroChevroletCamarochevychevy camaroChevyCamarodanzdanz camaroDanzCamaro Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Classic Recreations reveals specs of Shelby GT500CR Mustang]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/classic-recreations-reveals-specs-of-shelby-gt500cr-mustang/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/classic-recreations-reveals-specs-of-shelby-gt500cr-mustang/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/classic-recreations-reveals-specs-of-shelby-gt500cr-mustang/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this month during SEMA, Oklahoma-based Classic Recreations announced that it had scored a licensing deal with Carroll Shelby to build a continuation version of the legendary Shelby Mustang GT500. At the time of the announcement, we didn't know much about the car, aptly named the GT500CR, except that each would come with an official Shelby serial number and be included in the Shelby Worldwide Registry.

However, thanks to new information recently released by Classic Recreations, we now have the preliminary details for the GT500CR. Three separate models will be available, starting with an Intro model that comes standard with a 427ci V8, 150-hp nitrous system, upgraded suspension, power rack-and-pinion steering, Tremec five-speed manual transmission, Baer brakes, and more. One step up from that is the Performance package that also gets items like upgraded seats, larger rear wheels, and a coilover suspension system. At the top of the range is the Venom model, featuring an intercooled supercharger system that boosts the V8 to 780 horsepower, along with other performance upgrades. More details about the GT500CR can be found in Classic Recreation's press release posted after the jump, and we've included the original renderings of the car in the gallery below in case you missed them the first time around.


Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR


[Source: Classic Recreations]

Continue reading Classic Recreations reveals specs of Shelby GT500CR Mustang

Classic Recreations reveals specs of Shelby GT500CR Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1967 Shelby GT5001967 Shelby Mustang1967ShelbyGt5001967ShelbyMustangClassic RecreationsClassic Recreations Shelby GT500CRClassicRecreationsClassicRecreationsShelbyGt500crGT500MustangShelbyShelby GT500Shelby GT500CRShelby MustangShelbyGt500ShelbyGt500crShelbyMustang Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST <![CDATA[VW Gol: Brazilian proto-Impreza by VW?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/vw-gol-brazilian-proto-impreza-by-vw/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/vw-gol-brazilian-proto-impreza-by-vw/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/vw-gol-brazilian-proto-impreza-by-vw/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

VW Gol

The string of interesting and offbeat Volkswagens from the firm's Brazilian division is enough to fill a coffee-table book. The SP2, for example, is one of the prettiest variations ever laid atop Type III mechanicals, one that many die-hard Volks-fans in the United States have never heard of. The rest of the world probably knows better what VW do Brasil has wrought; forty-something years of cars we'd dearly love to roll here in The States, but which never came north. Eventually, a Brazilian VeeDub did head for os Estados Unidos.

Instead of Brasilias or Karmann Ghia TCs, we got the Fox. Known in Brazil as the Gol, which rode on its own BX platform, itself a derivate of the B1 platform that underpinned other VW and Audi products. Our Foxes were all sedans or wagons, but a recent troll of old car ads on Flickr turned up this masterpiece. Look carefully - we always thought the Fox transaxle looked a lot like the naughty bits of a Beetle. And there it is, a doghouse-shrouded 1300cc bit of air-cooled muscle mounted in the FRONT. Hot diggety, this thing has it all, 3-door hatch bodywork, a flat-four, and no pesky coolant to boil over in tropical climes. The closest you can come to something like this now is an Impreza hatch, which is an exponentially better car. That doesn't stop us from thinking about bolting that spare 1600DP into a Polo-Edition Fox and warping everyone's minds at the next Spring Dust-Off.

[Source: Flickr/Hugo90 - CC2.0]

Gallery: VW Gol

VW Gol: Brazilian proto-Impreza by VW? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brazilbrazilian volkswagenBrazilianVolkswagengolvintage volkswagenVintageVolkswagenVolkswagenvolkswagen foxvolkswagen golvolkswagen of brazilVolkswagenFoxVolkswagenGolVolkswagenOfBrazilvwvw do brasilvw foxvw of brazilVwDoBrasilVwFoxVwOfBrazil Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST <![CDATA[Papa John's selling recovered Camaro diecast, free pizza and charity involved]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/papa-johns-selling-recovered-camaro-diecast-free-pizza-and-cha/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/papa-johns-selling-recovered-camaro-diecast-free-pizza-and-cha/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/papa-johns-selling-recovered-camaro-diecast-free-pizza-and-cha/#comments Filed under: , , ,



We're suckers for a happy ending - especially when it involves cars, kids, and hot pizza. Recall, if you will, this past summer when John Schnatter, founder of Papa John's Pizza, was on a nationwide quest to find his beloved 1971 1/2 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 - a car he sold in the mid-Eighties to fund his first store. John found his car in Kentucky, paid out more than a quarter of a million dollars in finder's fees, and then generously gave free pizzas from its 2,600 nationwide locations to all Camaro owners on August 26th.

Still feeling more than a bit elated with the return of his Z28, and intent on providing hope and inspiration to less fortunate children, Schnatter has now created a nifty little 1:64 scale diecast replica of his car. The metal cars sell for $4.99 apiece and each one comes with a coupon for a free medium cheese pizza ($1 from each car purchased will be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation). In addition to selling the cars online, Papa John's is donating 5,000 mini Camaros directly to Toys for Tots. All told, Papa John's is contributing more than $155,000 to the Marine program and touching countless lives in the process. Go ahead and order a couple... we did. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Papa John's]

Continue reading Papa John's selling recovered Camaro diecast, free pizza and charity involved

Papa John's selling recovered Camaro diecast, free pizza and charity involved originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> CamarocarDie-castdiecastgive-awahot wheelHotWheelmarinesmatchboxmetalpapa johnpapa johnspapa johns camaropapa johns pizzapapa johns pizza camaropapa johns z28PapaJohnPapaJohnsPapaJohnsCamaroPapaJohnsPizzaPapaJohnsPizzaCamaroPapaJohnsZ28PizzaToys 4 Totstoys for totsToys4TotsToysForTotsZ28 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/video-audi-tracks-down-the-last-horch-in-texas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/video-audi-tracks-down-the-last-horch-in-texas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/video-audi-tracks-down-the-last-horch-in-texas/#comments Filed under: , , ,

The search for the last Horch -- Click above to watch video

You have August Horch to thank for Audi. A former engineer for Karl Benz, Horch started the second oldest company of the original four companies that merged to form Auto Union (the first was Wanderer). But it was Horch whose name, translated into Latin, became "Audi."

The last Horch was built in Ingolstadt in 1953, and Audi wanted to find it. They put their vintage car locator, Ralph Hornung, on the case and he ended up in a field in West Texas. Follow the jump to view a video explaining the search and how the once mighty V8 found its way to a lonely Lone Star pasture. And on a side note, Hornung has a most awesome job... Thanks for the tip, Alex!

[Source: Audi TV via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas?

VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiAuto UnionAutoUnionchasing classic carsChasingClassicCarsclassic carclassic carsClassicCarClassicCarshorchIngolstadtRalph HornungRalphHornungtexasvideo Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:19:00 EST <![CDATA[Rare Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight going to highest bidder at RM's Arizona auction]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rare-aston-martin-db4-gt-lightweight-going-to-highest-bidder-at/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rare-aston-martin-db4-gt-lightweight-going-to-highest-bidder-at/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rare-aston-martin-db4-gt-lightweight-going-to-highest-bidder-at/#comments Filed under: , , ,


1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With just 75 built between 1959 and 1963, the Aston Martin DB4 GT is a rare breed. Of those, a mere six are the coveted lightweight models that cut weight by using aluminum components (instead of steel) and delete items like the radio, speakers, and heater. It's not very often that one comes up for sale, but this January, RM Auctions will be offering a pristine example at their sale in Scottsdale.

The car going up for auction is chassis #0175/L, the last DB4 GT Lightweight built. It underwent a total restoration in the mid-Nineties where it received upgrades like Dunlop racing tires, Dayton wire wheels, and a four-point roll bar. The car wasn't competitively raced in the Sixties, but several owners have competed with the car in various vintage races at tracks like Lime Rock Park and Laguna Seca.

Sound like your kind of car? RM estimates you'll need anywhere from $950,000-$1,000,000 to take this ruby beauty home. If you don't have that kind of cash, then you'll have to settle for the press release after the jump and the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight


[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Rare Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight going to highest bidder at RM's Arizona auction

Rare Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight going to highest bidder at RM's Arizona auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Aston MartinAston Martin DB4Aston Martin DB4 GTAston Martin DB4 GT LightweightAstonMartinAstonMartinDb4AstonMartinDb4GtAstonMartinDb4GtLightweightauctionsRM AuctionsRmAuctions Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:24:00 EST <![CDATA[The backstory behind HPP's showstopping Daytona conversion... is a Chevy Camaro next?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-backstory-behind-hpps-showstopping-daytona-conversion-is/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-backstory-behind-hpps-showstopping-daytona-conversion-is/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-backstory-behind-hpps-showstopping-daytona-conversion-is/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

HPP Daytona - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we saw the HPP Daytona at this year's SEMA show, two things became very apparent. One, we'd really like to drive it. Two, we need better pictures of it. See, the poor thing got itself shoved into a tight booth at SEMA and we just couldn't get too many decent shots. So, being the enterprising lads that we are, we wrote HPP and asked if they had some better pictures. Guess what? You're looking at 'em.

One thing we really dig about these studio shots is the detailing. Just check out the custom exhaust tips - the square suckers sticking out of the Daytona's side behind the rear wheel. Nifty, no? Great hood latches, great front splitter, good looking (and apparently functional) hood scoops and really nice hood pins. And just look at that wing - fabulous. Really, the more we look, the more we like this 600-horsepower supercharged bad boy. Which leaves us with one big question: who is HPP?

Well now, included with the purty pictures was a very interesting explanation to that very question. Gordon M. Heidacker is the president of Heide Performance Products (HPP). He's been in the car business for 23 years, working for AMC and Chrysler while getting his hands dirty with cars like Plymouth Prowler and Dodge Viper. After the Cerberus debacle, Heidacker decided to go it on his own, and set up HPP to fill, "a general hole in the market for accessories and upscale vehicles that could be converted into passionate expressions of metal, glass, plastic to become rolling art." Sounds good by us.

As far as this here Daytona goes, Heidacker had a conversation with Chrysler explaining what he and his team wanted to do. And if Chrysler liked it, they'd fund it. But, as Heidacker points out, they "Delivered that proposal to Mopar exactly 1.5 hours before they declared bankruptcy. So we decided to internally fund the project." Timing, as it's said, is everything. What's next for HPP? Next up is another Challenger, but for next year's SEMA show, they'll be bringing a Chevrolet Camaro. We, for one, will be there. For a partial list of the 50 individual changes HPP made to the Challenger when turning it into the Daytona, make the jump.


Gallery: HPP Daytona Studio Shots


Gallery: SEMA 2009: HPP Daytona Challenger


[Source: hppcars.com]

Continue reading The backstory behind HPP's showstopping Daytona conversion... is a Chevy Camaro next?

The backstory behind HPP's showstopping Daytona conversion... is a Chevy Camaro next? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> DaytonaDodgeDodge ChallengerDodge DaytonaDodgeChallengerDodgeDaytonaGordon HeidackerGordonHeidackerHeide Performance ProductsHeidePerformanceProductsHPPHPP DaytonaHppDaytonaMOPARPlymouth SuperbirdPlymouthSuperbirdSuperbird Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/quick-spin-superformance-mkiii-r-cobra-kickstarts-our-hearts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/quick-spin-superformance-mkiii-r-cobra-kickstarts-our-hearts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/quick-spin-superformance-mkiii-r-cobra-kickstarts-our-hearts/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Superformance MKIII R Cobra - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's mea culpa time. While it's probably best not to begin a review with an apology, I'd be fairly derelict in my auto bloggin' duty if I didn't admit that not only does this review represent my first time in a Cobra - ever - but that I went in wanting to love the car. After all, not only is the Cobra Daytona Coupe the single greatest car I've ever driven, but I'm what you might call a Shelby-head. At least once a week my fiancee is hollering at me to put one of my several Shelby books back in the bookcase. But still, before today, I'd never driven a Cobra.

Of course, purists will argue I still haven't. This gun metal gray beauty wasn't built on Princeton Ave. in Venice Beach. Nor was it built at Shelby America's hanger near LAX. In fact, it wasn't even built in America. No, this particular Cobra - the Superformance MKIII R, a special version of their MKIII - is built in South Africa. Recently, too. The MKIII R actually has a modern, square-tube spaceframe chassis with different hard points and suspension than you'd find underneath a classic Cobra's skin. Perhaps it's not a "real" Cobra, but here's what Carroll Shelby has to say about Superformance's efforts, "It's not a true Shelby, but I've endorsed and licensed the car for being as close to correct and well-built as possible." Good enough for me.


Gallery: Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII-R


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

Continue reading Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts

Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Carroll ShelbyCarrollShelbyCobrafeaturedMKIII RMkiiiRquick driveQuickDriveRoushRoush 427Roush 427 SRRoush427Roush427SrShelby CobraShelbyCobraSuperformanceSuperformance CobraSuperformance MKIII RSuperformance MKIII R CobraSuperformanceCobraSuperformanceMkiiiRSuperformanceMkiiiRCobra Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Olds Toronado 70-X is wraparound luxury]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-olds-toronado-70-x-is-wrapar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-olds-toronado-70-x-is-wrapar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-olds-toronado-70-x-is-wrapar/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

George Barris's 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X - clic above for high-res image gallery

If you've never seen Vincent Gallo's Buffalo 66, stop reading and watch it. Why? Because otherwise the next part of this post isn't going to make any sense to you. Anyhow, remember the scene when his Billy Brown character kidnaps/carjacks Christina Ricci's Layla and forces her to drive because he can't work a manual?
"Would you like to know why I can't drive this kinda car? I'm used to luxury cars. Have you ever heard of a luxury car? Ever heard of Cadillac, Cadillac Eldorado? That's what I drive. I drive cars that shift themselves. My cars shift themselves. The luxury cars, they shift themselves."
We quote this scene because we think this here particular Oldsmobile Toronado would appeal to Mr. Brown's predilection for luxury cars. We mean, just look at that back seat. Incredible, right? Wrap around leather benches are totally (and sadly) missing from our everyday automotive experience. And we're pretty sure you could use the fold-out cocaine shelf to write on, so it's practical, too. Curiously, we've seen a Barris Toro before - though that one was dubbed 67X - and although it was in much worse shape, it failed to meet its reserve at $7,701.

Now, this particular custom Toronado (the story goes that Barris built four of these for the 1967 Canadian Expo -- only two are known to survive) is much better shape, having undergone a "complete frame-up restoration at an astronomical cost." However, $7,701 won't even get you into that amazing drug den back seat. In fact, the starting bid is $227,770 and the reserve isn't met. Sure, that's a lot of scratch, but you can really put a price on luxury like this? We're saying no. Happy bidding!


Gallery: 1967 Oldsmobile Barris 70-X Toronado


[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Olds Toronado 70-X is wraparound luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1967 Barris Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X1967 Oldsmobile Toronado1967 Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X1967 Oldsmobile Toronado Barris 70-X1967BarrisOldsmobileToronado70-x1967OldsmobileToronado1967OldsmobileToronado70-x1967OldsmobileToronadoBarris70-xBarris Oldsmobile ToronadoBarrisOldsmobileToronadocGeare BarrisGeareBarrisLuxuryOlds Toronado 70-XOldsmobil Toronado 70-XOldsmobileOldsmobile Barris Toronado 70-XOldsmobile ToronadoOldsmobileBarrisToronado70-xOldsmobileToronadoOldsmobilToronado70-xOldsToronado70-xToronadoToronado 70-XToronado70-x Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Rossignolo buys De Tomaso, new models headed for Geneva in 2011]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-rossignolo-buys-de-tomaso-new-models-headed-for-geneva/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-rossignolo-buys-de-tomaso-new-models-headed-for-geneva/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-rossignolo-buys-de-tomaso-new-models-headed-for-geneva/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Panthera Rendering - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're working off a machine-translated web page, so bear with us, but it looks like legendary Seventies marque De Tomaso is being resurrected once again. This time by a wealthy Italian industrialist named Gian Mario Rossingnolo. Looks like Signor Rossingnolo has already purchased a Pininfarina factory in which to build the new De Tomaso, and tried (unsuccessfully) to rescue Bertone earlier this year.

The big question is what are they going to build. Well, the ambitious-sounding-to-our-ears plan is to build 8,000 aluminum-bodied cars per year. And they are to be prestige cars, to better take advantage of the De Tomaso brand. As for specifics, Rossingnolo is planning on a luxury sedan, a coupe and an SUV. The cars should make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show the year after next. Here's hoping one named Pantera shows up with Ford's supercharged 5.4-liter V8 mounted behind the driver.


Gallery: Panthera rendering


[Source: Argentina Auto Blog]

REPORT: Rossignolo buys De Tomaso, new models headed for Geneva in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> de tomasoDe Tomaso PanteraDeTomasoDeTomasoPanteraGian Mario RossingnoloGianMarioRossingnoloPanteraPininfarina Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:26:00 EST <![CDATA[From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/from-cobra-to-corvette-superformance-to-introduce-1963-grand-sp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/from-cobra-to-corvette-superformance-to-introduce-1963-grand-sp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/from-cobra-to-corvette-superformance-to-introduce-1963-grand-sp/#comments Filed under: , ,


Superformance 1963 Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite its relatively short list of on-track achievements, the original 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is arguably Chevrolet's most iconic racecar. Built to compete with the likewise-iconic Cobra, the Grand Sport dominated the Shelby when the two went head-to-head, but the program was axed by General Motors before it would make a significant impact on motorsports. Still, the five chassis have become coveted collector cars and command prices into the multi-millions of dollars.

While the privilege of owning an original Corvette Grand Sport is limited to just a fortunate few, Superformance is now offering the next best thing. The SoCal-based company is perhaps best known for their Cobra and GT40 replicas, but a new licensing agreement with GM has opened doors to produce a Corvette Grand Sport model that will be available as either a coupe or convertible. Customers will also have the option of a street or race version (pictured).

As with their GT40, Superformance have gone to great lengths to insure that the Grand Sport is as identical to the original as possible. They even acquired the original blueprints and molds to one of the original race cars to produce accurate components. Powertrain options will be nearly endless, as the engine bay has been designed to accept most of the GM Performance Parts crate engines. Hit the jump for the official press release from Superformance, or check out the high-res gallery of the Superformance Grand Sport race car below.


Gallery: Superformance Corvette Grand Sport


[Source: Superformance]

Continue reading From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica

From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport1963 Corvette Grand Sport1963ChevroletCorvetteGrandSport1963CorvetteGrandSportChevroletChevrolet CorvetteChevrolet Corvette Grand SportChevroletCorvetteChevroletCorvetteGrandSportCorvetteCorvette Grand SportCorvetteGrandSportGrand SportGrandSportsuper bowlSuperBowlSuperformanceSuperformance Corvette Grand SportSuperformance Grand SportSuperformanceCorvetteGrandSportSuperformanceGrandSport Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Renault revives the Gordini name for exclusive line of hot hatches [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-revives-the-gordini-name-for-exclusive-line-of-hot-hatch/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-revives-the-gordini-name-for-exclusive-line-of-hot-hatch/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-revives-the-gordini-name-for-exclusive-line-of-hot-hatch/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Renault Gordini - Click either image for high-res image gallery

If you were one of the French hot hatch enthusiasts who was disappointed by this week's news that Peugeot was getting out of the game, take heart - rival automaker Renault has announced a new line of what it does best, while reviving a long-dormant historic nameplate in the process.

Named after Renault racing engineer extraordinaire Amédée Gordini, the Gordini badge became a symbol of success for the French automaker. The iconic R8 Gordini (pictured at right) dominated rallying in the mid-Sixties and gave birth to its own one-mark series with the Renault 1300 Gordini. Four decades later, Renault is bringing the name back for an exclusive new line of hot hatches.

Positioned above the existing Renaultsport lineup, the Gordini range will be mechanically identical to its RS counterparts, but distinguish themselves with retro styling touches (like French racing blue paint scheme with white stripes) and an extra dose of exclusivity. The first product in the new range, the Twingo Gordini RS (teased above), is slated to be unveiled at L'Atelier Renault - the company's flagship store on the Champs Elysées in Paris - on November 25 before its market launch next spring. Gordini edition Clio and Megane are slated to follow suite, all decked out in the sub-brand's iconic French racing blue with white racing stripes.

Click on the thumbnails below for a mega gallery of Gordini archive photos, or follow the jump to check out a Gordini video chock-full of historic footage. And while you're back there, you can read the full press release, too.


Gallery: Renault Gordini archival photographs


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault revives the Gordini name for exclusive line of hot hatches [w/VIDEO]

Renault revives the Gordini name for exclusive line of hot hatches [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> gordinigordini rsGordiniRsrenaultrenault 1300 gordinirenault gordinirenault r8 gordinirenault sportrenault sport gordinirenault twingo gordini rsrenault twingo rsRenault1300GordiniRenaultGordiniRenaultR8GordinirenaultsportRenaultSportGordiniRenaultTwingoGordiniRsRenaultTwingoRs Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:56:00 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[VW Bus stolen 35 years ago returned in mint condition... to Allstate]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/vw-bus-stolen-35-years-ago-returned-in-mint-condition-to-alls/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/vw-bus-stolen-35-years-ago-returned-in-mint-condition-to-alls/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/vw-bus-stolen-35-years-ago-returned-in-mint-condition-to-alls/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



In 1974, this 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (a.k.a. 'Bus') was stolen from Washington State. Fast-forward to October 19 of this year and custom agents at the Port of Los Angeles open up a container bound for Europe only to rediscover said van. Somehow, the Bus's VIN was still in the LAPD's stolen vehicle database. Guess which 1965 Type 2 is no longer headed for Europe?

Here's where it gets a little bit foggy, a little bit weird. According to the Los Angeles Times, the cops and the feds can't find the original owner. And the gentleman that restored the thirteen-window Bus to such pristine condition and who was planning on shipping said Bus back to the fatherland is also a victim of the theft - meaning he's off the hook, but out of money. Because way back in 1974, Allstate ("You're in good hands") Insurance paid the then owner $2,500 for the stolen Volkswagen. Which means that Allstate is winding up with the Bus.

Update: The original owner has been located! Her name is Michelle Squires and yes, she would like her Bus back. The reason that she couldn't be located at first is because her last name used to be Carlson. Says Squires, "I don't know if I could afford it because the restored bus is supposed to be around $25,000 now, but I would like the opportunity to talk to Allstate to see if I could get it back." While we think it would be a stellar PR coup for Allstate, Squires should probably prepare to stay separated from her van.

[Source: Los Angeles Times | Image: Department of Homeland Security]

VW Bus stolen 35 years ago returned in mint condition... to Allstate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Allstateauto insuranceAutoInsuranceBuscar insuranceCarInsuranceDepartment of Homeland SecurityDepartmentOfHomelandSecurityhomeland securityHomelandSecurityinsuranceStolen CarStolen CarsStolenCarStolenCarsTheftThirteen-Window BusThirteen-windowBusvolkswagenVolkswagen busVolkswagen Station WagonVolkswagen Type 2VolkswagenBusVolkswagenStationWagonVolkswagenType2VWVW BusVwBus Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST <![CDATA[Turkish Onuk Sazan is like Ferrari Dino, only without pedigree]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/turkish-onuk-sazan-is-like-ferrari-dino-only-without-pedigree/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/turkish-onuk-sazan-is-like-ferrari-dino-only-without-pedigree/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/turkish-onuk-sazan-is-like-ferrari-dino-only-without-pedigree/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Turkey's Onuk Sazan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Need a reason to support Turkey's bid to become part of the European Union? Look no further than the Onuk Sazan, a brand-new sports car that depending on the engine might just slide its way into supercar territory. The Sazan was designed and built by a certain Dr. Onuk, who lost his son Kaan in a car accident. Sazan is a nickname for Kaan. Hence, the Onuk Sazan. Similar to Enzo and Dino Ferrari -only, well... you know.

What makes an Onuk Kazan? Well, in base trim you're apparently talking about a 2,000-pound rear-wheel drive sportster that's powered by a turbocharged Nissan VQ V6 that's good for about 450 horsepower. Sounds great to us. However, what if for a little weight penalty you could step up to General Motors' LS7? That would net you about 512 hp, 480 lb-ft of twist and just 2,200 pounds of vehicle to move around. Now we're talking. Okay, but how much? This is the bad news: €200,000, or about $300,000. That seems radically high to us, but we're not up on our Turkish financial analysis.

Knowing nothing else about the Sazan, all we can comment on are its looks, which for a bespoke sports car from a non-sports car making country aren't bad. The front has a quite a bit of TVR going on, but also some Ferrari F430 (air intakes) and Pagani Zonda (glass canopy). The rear is the Sazan's best angle, with more TVR evident, but in an organic, non-derivative way. The Sazan's weakest angle is when the car is viewed from the side. And really, the Spyker-looking profile isn't so terrible, but the wheels look rather dated. But that's an easy fix!

Before we go, we'd be derelict in our car scribin' duties not to mention Turkey's first sports car, the Anadol STC-16. Quite a looker, actually, the STC-16 was powered by a 1.6-liter Ford Mexico motor found in both the Cortina and Capri. While small and slow by contemporary standards, the STC-16 was enough of a runner to compete with the likes of the Datsun 240Z and was known at home in Turkey as "Süper Türk Canavarı" (Super Turkish Monster)! According to our tipster, Onuk feels there is a link between the historic Anadol STC-16 and the new Sazan. We'll wait and see. A big ol' tip of the AB fez to Ozcan Ozkaya!


Gallery: Onuk Sazan


[Sources: Otoplato.com; TRTuning.com; Anadol STC-16.com]

Turkish Onuk Sazan is like Ferrari Dino, only without pedigree originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AnadolAnadol STC-16AnadolStc-16OnukOnuk SazanOnukSazanSazanSCT-16TurkeyTurkishTurkish Sports CarTurkish SupercarTurkishSportsCarTurkishSupercar Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST <![CDATA[The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

The Proud American and Bonneville Boss - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before our favorite weekly Southern California car gathering this Saturday, we had been told by a friend that he'd be bringing his new rocket truck. Rocket truck? What the heck's a rocket truck? Visions of rocket-powered pickups and semis running the quarter mile immediately came to mind. Did some drag racer sell Tom his race truck? Is that what he was bringing to the show?

As soon as we came around the corner we knew he hadn't. We knew this with absolute certainty because we saw a giant nosecone towering above the treeline. There was, in fact, a rocket-powered land speed record (LSR) car positioned at a launch-worthy angle atop a most amazing truck. Rocket, truck... Rocket truck. Makes sense now. But what was this thing and where did it come from? You can read the whole wacky story after the jump.


Gallery: Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss"


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

Continue reading The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck

The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BonnevilleBonneville Bossbonneville salt flatsbonneville speed recordbonneville speed weekBonnevilleBossBonnevilleSaltFlatsBonnevilleSpeedRecordBonnevilleSpeedWeekcars and coffeecars coffeeCarsAndCoffeeCarsCoffeecustom truckCustomTruckDean MoonDeanMoonhaulerhydrogen peroxideHydrogenPeroxideKy MichaelsonKyMichaelsonland speed recordland speed record carLandSpeedRecordLandSpeedRecordCarLSRLSR carLsrCarProud AmericanProudAmericanrocket carRocketCarTony FoxTonyFoxtransporttruck Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST