Autoblog

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

Michael Harley — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Chevrolet, Toys/Games

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.

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VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo

Chris Shunk — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We'll tell you exactly why, because it's a lot of fun. We know, because we had a similar experience in late adolescence, but we used GI Joe vehicles (even the awesome hovercraft) and firecrackers. But what we didn't have back then was a 600 fps camera, but lucky for us, people do now... and they have YouTube to share it with the rest of us.

After the jump is video of diecast cars getting blown sky high with what appears to be some relatively large explosive. What makes this little experiment so much fun is that our mini pyrotechnician friend captured the carnage 20 times slower than conventional video, giving us a crystal clear picture of every blast. And to make the one minute video that much more entertaining, the creator cut his masterpiece to one of the best pieces of music any aspiring video editor can use in a disaster sequence; Ode To Joy. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself, and keep in mind that blowing things up can lead to blowing off fingers and shrapnel in the eye, so don't try this at home!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo

VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spike announces nominees for Best Driving Game of the Year

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:09:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Spike's Video Game Award finalists -- Click above to watch trailers at Spike.com

Spike TV has opened up the voting for its Video Game Awards, and the finalists are down to four: DiRT 2, Need for Speed: Shift, Forza Motorsport 3, and Gran Turismo PSP. It's a bit of a motley list, but then again it's been a motley year for driving games, and we're still waiting for a vision of the unicorn otherwise known as Gran Turismo 5. If you want to vote, cast your ballot on Spike's site. If you need a refresher because you insist on being an informed voter, follow the jump and check out some gameplay.

[Source: Spike]

Continue reading Spike announces nominees for Best Driving Game of the Year

Spike announces nominees for Best Driving Game of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro introduces HD line of Hero cameras

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Toys/Games

GoPro Hero Motorsports HD -- Click above for high-res image gallery

GoPro has unveiled its line of HD cameras specially adapted for motorsports, helmets, surfing, and R/C - although a bendy arm and a suction cup mean you could use them to record your performance vacuum cleaning as well, should you wish.

The cameras offer the option of five different shooting modes, from WVGA up to 1080p (1920 x 1080, 16:9), and even at the highest resolution you get more than four hours of footage. The 5 megapixel camera can shoot from intervals of 2 to 25 seconds and get you 2.5 hours of snapshots. It retails for $299, and if you want to see what else it's got, follow the jump for the press release.

Gallery: GoPro HD Hero

[Source: GoPro]

Continue reading GoPro introduces HD line of Hero cameras

GoPro introduces HD line of Hero cameras originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Even if the Mercedes E-Class Wagon doesn't handle like a slot car, it can still handle slot cars

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Etc., Europe, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Toys/Games, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon + slot car track - click above to watch the video

First of all, yes - this is pure Mercedes-Benz propaganda. We're fully aware of that fact. Second, despite it all, we're very jealous of what takes place in this video. In order to show off just how much junk you're able to fit inside the new E-Class Wagon -- or "Estate" in Mercedes parlance. How they settled on building a giant slot car track (or more precisely, sneaking it past the corporate money men) is beyond us, but we're glad they did.

So, how much junk? Quite a bit. Specifically, 1,275 pieces of track, including a section that snakes through the E-Class. All told, the track is over 400 meters long (about a quarter mile) and takes the 1/32 scale DTM cars four minutes and forty-seconds to complete. The track layout was designed beforehand on a computer because otherwise, well... they'd still be building it. Watch the full video after the jump.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Even if the Mercedes E-Class Wagon doesn't handle like a slot car, it can still handle slot cars

VIDEO: Even if the Mercedes E-Class Wagon doesn't handle like a slot car, it can still handle slot cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Sweeps: Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 4

John Neff — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Toys/Games

It's Day 4 of our SEMA Sweeps! After giving away three of five limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles, we're ready to give away our fourth. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and contacted, so here's how you can win today.

We're doing this in honor of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and with it, the Seventh Annual GT Awards, so take advantage of our generosity and follow the directions below for your chance to win.

Today we're asking whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or new PSP Go. Your answer won't have any effect on your chances of winning since the sweepstakes winner is drawn at random, so pick your favorite portable Sony system, leave a comment and keep your fingers crossed!

Entering is easy. All you have to do is:

Leave a comment in this post telling us whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or PSP Go.
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec, désolé!)
Limit 1 entry per person per day
This entry period ends at 3:00PM EST on Friday, November 6
At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one PSP/GT bundle (ARV $199.99) that includes a Mystic Silver PSP-3000 system, Gran Turismo PSP game on UMD, a PlayStation Network downloadable voucher for a white Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, PlayStation Network downloadable movie voucher (title TBD) and Sony MusicPass voucher good for 10 downloadable songs.
For a list of complete rules, click here

That's it - it's free and easy. Good luck!

SEMA Sweeps: Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer (ATG) takes gaming to illogical conclusions

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Truck, Japan, Toyota, Toys/Games, Specialty

Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's said that one hundred monkeys typing for eternity will eventually bang out the complete works of William Shakespeare. However, they will also come up with a whole bunch of other, um... stuff. Including the design brief for this thing. Yes friends, you are looking at a pickup truck designed to take you and several of your friends out into the woods to play video games. No, really. And if you get bored of playing HALO ~~OCD~~ ODST, you can go ride around on one of two Cannondale mountain bikes, presumably hucking rocks at the other guy. We would be rue to not point out that ATG comes complete with no less than four Xbox Elite consoles.

We'll hand out a limited number of props (very limited) for chopping out the B-pillars in order to accommodate the giant gullwings. While we didn't see the seats in action, we're fairly sure that the driver and front passenger seats swing out to allow all four peeps play along at the same time. And somehow the front video screen(s) slide into place and/or fold up out of the way. There's also a very large flat screen out back so that others can watch you and your buddies virtually kill each other. And the custom green metallic anthracite paint is the same color on your Xbox. Want to know more? Make the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer (ATG) takes gaming to illogical conclusions

SEMA 2009: Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer (ATG) takes gaming to illogical conclusions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi gears up for grand opening in 2010

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari, Toys/Games, Middle East

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Television coverage of Formula One grands prix typically end with an aerial shot of the podium and the fans beneath it, a panorama usually dominated by the tifosi passing a giant Scuderia Ferrari flag over the crowd. That view may have been largely absent with the void of Ferrari victories this season, but if you were watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this past weekend you might have noticed something even bigger: the site of Ferrari World, the new theme park being constructed adjacent to the marina circuit on Yas Island.

The park can easily be picked out from the air, housed in a giant red roof that sports a 200-foot-tall Ferrari logo, the largest ever made. With doors set to open in the new year, details are now being released while work is underway on the attractions that will be included in the 200,000 square meters (over two million square feet) of indoor space dedicated to the park.

Among the 20+ rides that will be housed in the largest indoor park on earth will be the world's fastest roller coaster, a g-force drop tower breaching the 150-foot-high red steel roof to extend over 200 feet into the sky, racing simulators, karting and a flume ride through a giant Ferrari engine. Of course there will be plenty of hospitality and shopping to go along with the rides, more of which you can read about in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

[Source: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi]

Continue reading Ferrari World Abu Dhabi gears up for grand opening in 2010

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi gears up for grand opening in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel Inside: Audi launching special Forza edition TT?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Audi, Toys/Games

Audi TT Forza Motorsport Edition - Click above for image gallery

As far as art imitating life goes, it doesn't get much more realistic than Forza 3. But it was only a matter of time before life would in turn imitate art, and here it is: the Audi TT Forza Motorsport Edition.

Launched by Audi in conjunction with Microsoft, the Forza edition TT is being released to coincide with the rollout of the highly anticipated new video game. Of course, it comes with the requisite badging, but the real surprise is the bundled Xbox 360 Elite console, complete with a copy of Forza 3, in the trunk. We've yet to receive official confirmation beyond reports surfacing on overseas gaming sites, but sources suggest a retail price of about $35,000.

Gallery: Audi TT Forza Motorsport Edition

[Source: Gamekaze.pl via rpmgo.com]

Intel Inside: Audi launching special Forza edition TT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW launches Real Racing GTI on iPhone, giving away six GTIs!

John Neff — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Toys/Games

2010 Volkswagen GTI Mark VI prize car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen is no stranger to promoting its vehicles using games for the iPhone and iPhone Touch. Witness such forgetables as Volkswagen Polo Challenge 3D [iTunes link] and Volkswagen Scirocco R 24H Challenge 3D [iTunes link], both by developer FISHLABS. Neither game is very fun to play, being on the early end of the curve for racing games on Apple's smart phone. For the launch of the new GTI, however, Volkswagen got smart and instead partnered with developer Firemint, which already has a well received racing game for sale in the App Store called Real Racing [iTunes link]. Together, the two companies have put out Real Racing GTI [iTunes link], a free version of the $6.99 app that exclusively features the new 2010 Volkswagen GTI.

We'll get to the game in a second, but the big news is that VW is putting some promotional muscle behind the app by launching a contest (view rules and regulations here) to give away six brand new, limited edition GTIs just for playing the game. Thankfully, your chances of winning are not tied to your skill level, and entering involves simply registering through the game and completing a race. What's more, you can enter once per day and Volkswagen will pick a winner each week for the next six. The GTI prize cars are limited edition models with numbered dash plaques, special interior and exterior trim and unique 18-inch black wheels.

Real Racing GTI App images - Click above for high-res image gallery

As for the game, it's pretty solid. While only featuring the GTI and fewer tracks, all the gameplay mechanics are the same as the paid app. The control settings are also extensive allowing you to steer using either the device's accelerometer or a steering wheel on the screen, as well as choosing between auto or manual modes for accelerating and braking. The competition AI, however, is pretty weak, allowing you to pass them all from the back of the grid before the first turn and then hanging on the back of your bumper for the rest of the race.

So here's our advice: DO NOT download Real Racing GTI and DO NOT register for the contest to win one of six limited edition GTIs. We think we have a real shot at winning and don't want you all throwing the curve.

Gallery: Real Racing GTI App images

Gallery: Volkswagen 2010 GTI Mark VI prize car

[Source: Volkswagen | iTunes link]

VW launches Real Racing GTI on iPhone, giving away six GTIs! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Lexus LFA may cost $375k, but the paper one is free

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Lexus, Toys/Games

Many people are into model cars. And... origami. Tangrams, too - which are sort of a two-dimensional, reusable form of origami. What are we on about here, why are we discussing folding paper and models? Funny you should ask. See, the all new Lexus LFA went ahead and got revealed the other day and initial reaction (at least around the Autoblog virtual office) has been pretty negative - negative towards a certain dude name Damon Lavrinc who gets to jet off to Miami and drive the latest Japanese ubercar and it's 560-hp, 4.8-liter V10 that has to propel just 3,263 pounds. Jerk.

But fear not, because even if we don't get to drive the mightiest ever Lexus (and Lord knows at $375,000 we'll never be able to afford one), we can still have one, in a sense. As it turns out, an incredibly loose sense. But yes, if you click this here link, you will find a website that lets you print out a LFA pattern, and with a coupe quick folds you too can have your very own (paper) Lexus LFA. The question then becomes, how good is your printer? OK, we've got to go now, our planet needs us. Thanks to Will for the tip!

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2011 Lexus LFA

[Source: Lexus LFA Wiki]

The Lexus LFA may cost $375k, but the paper one is free originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Japanese market Gran Turismo PSP commercial is fantastic and revolting

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Videos, Toys/Games

Gran Turismo PSP Commercial - Click above to watch the video after the break

Don't worry, this video is totally safe for work. But we're saying revolting because we can remember back years ago we watched Clint Eastwood's Pink Cadillac with a friend's father who happened to restore muscle cars for a living. Anywho, as you might imagine the 1959 Cadillac gets pretty dinged up throughout the course of the film - fairly often, too. As such, my pal's dad was not only cringing at every dent, scrape and rumpled piece of metal, but actively screaming at the TV. Mostly stuff like this, "What not-nice-people! Why would they do such horrible things to such a wonderful, historic car?!?" More or less.

Now, we're not prudes. We like the destruction of cars. From the Jeremy Clarkson style (kill bad cars!) and the Ca$h For Clunker$ style (Kill ALL cars - hey, creative destruction is a valid economic theory) to 24 Hours of LeMons style (let's race dead cars! Er, kill that one car!). There's just something wonderful about smoking engines, twisted sheet metal and precious fluids spilled all over tarmac -- no matter what the car. That said, the video you're about to watch, well, it's a little hard to stomach. So, let's just call it mildly revolting. Also, we're supposed to mention something about damage rendering, or the lack there of, but, uh... Ready? Jump!

Continue reading VIDEO: Japanese market Gran Turismo PSP commercial is fantastic and revolting

VIDEO: Japanese market Gran Turismo PSP commercial is fantastic and revolting originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Gran Turismo 5 box art and packaging, SLS AMG may be cover car

Chris Shunk — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:19:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Toys/Games

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Gran Turismo 5. We've teased you in the past with constantly shifting debut dates and posted most every video we can find. But today is a new day, and this time we're going to show you... another video. GT5 creator Kazunori Yamauchi sat down with GT Planet to discuss how much work goes into the five-year project known as Gran Turismo 5, along with some speculation as to which vehicle will grace the game's cover.

It's no secret that the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG will be featured in GT5, and Yamauchi actually took the uber-exotic gull-winged supercar for a spin on the legendary Nürburgring to ensure that GT5 has the proper driving dynamics. Both the 'Ring and the SLS AMG were digitally rendered pixel by pixel, aided by the game's physics calculation model. Yamauchi calls the game a driving simulator because the calculation model adds exact information about every physical aspect of each vehicle, ensuring that each one behaves in the game exactly how it drives on the road because "that's something we can't actually touch. If the original car is made well, it'll drive well."

Yamouri likes the SLS AMG so much that the vehicle could hold the honored position of being the cover girl on the upcoming game's packaging. And speaking of the game's cover, the video also shows a few seconds of Yamauchi handing over what appears to be a GT5 box set to a co-worker. The glossy box contained what appears to be black, red and blue Blu-ray cases. We're thinking it's a special edition box set for the most rabid of fans, and we hope we're right.

Hit the jump to check out the video. Let's hope that Daimler's newest supercar isn't ready for a refresh by the time GT5 finally hits stores.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Gran Turismo 5

[Source: Joystiq]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gran Turismo 5 box art and packaging, SLS AMG may be cover car

VIDEO: Gran Turismo 5 box art and packaging, SLS AMG may be cover car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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550 Reindeer-Power: Lamborghini celebrates Christmas early with Balboni baubles

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Lamborghini, Toys/Games, Design/Style

2010 Lamborghini Christmas Collection - Click above to view in high resolution

With households across America still decking their halls with jack-o-lanters and all manner of goolish decorations, it may be a tad soon to start thinking about the winter holiday season. But for Lamborghini, Christmas arrives early this year with the launch of the hardcore Balboni edition Gallardo. And to commemorate, Lambo's putting the Santa in Sant'Agata Bolognese with a new collection of holiday ornaments and stocking-stuffers.

Just as it has in years past, Lamborghini has released a new set of tree ornaments, decorative candles, calendars and other paraphernalia, this year carrying the Balboni theme in honor of its legendary test driver and the driver-focused LP550-2 that bears his name. Along with the latest collection of Raging Bull-emblazoned sportswear, the holiday wares are available directly from the Lamborghini Store, with details enumerated in the press release after the jump like so many maids a-milking and swans a-swimming (while you're enjoying that, Jonny and I will be waiting for the release of the Reventon dreidel.)

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading 550 Reindeer-Power: Lamborghini celebrates Christmas early with Balboni baubles

550 Reindeer-Power: Lamborghini celebrates Christmas early with Balboni baubles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gran Turismo creator to select Best in Show at SEMA that will be featured in upcoming game

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Toys/Games

Each year at SEMA, a select group of editors and contributors from the world's largest automotive publications scour the show floor to hand out prizes for the best hot rod, Japanese import, European import, domestic automobile and SUV. But not the overall Best in Show award. That'll be handed out by a video game programmer.

Well, not just any video game programmer. The video game programmer: Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of the Gran Turismo racing game franchise. As part of the seventh annual Gran Turismo awards, Yamauchi will hand pick one custom ride at the SEMA show to be rendered by his team of electronic wizards in high-resolution splendor and featured in an upcoming edition of the game. Nominations are being accepted in advance of the November 4 awards ceremony at the Palms, so if you know a ride worthy of Gran Turismo, follow the link for the entry form.

[Source: SEMA]

Gran Turismo creator to select Best in Show at SEMA that will be featured in upcoming game originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automoblox unveils hot rods and heavy duty pickup

John Neff — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Toys/Games

Automoblox HR Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been reporting on (and buying) the Automoblox line of heirloom quality toy cars for sometime, but recently there hasn't been much out of Patrick Calello's company to knock our socks off. That's about to change just in time for the holiday shopping season, however, as Automoblox will be welcoming a big set of brand-new vehicles to the lineup. The first to arrive is the T900 pickup, which just happens to bear a slight resemblance to king of heavy duty trucks, the Ford Super Duty. Arriving soon in both full-size and mini versions, the T900 is the Tonka truck that Automoblox never had.

Next up is a whole new thing for Automoblox: hot rods. The HR1, HR2 and HR3 hot rods are much more detailed than the Automoblox cars we're used to, with big grilles, period-correct wheels and in some cases, an exposed engine. Also available in full-size or mini versions, the HR series will ship shortly after the T900.

The highlight of Automoblox's holiday line up, however, pairs both new series together in a big way. Patrick and his team have put together a package that combines the new full-size T900 truck, the HR2 hot rod and a specially designed trailer to help haul the one with the other. Consider this the brand's halo package, and start dropping hints with Santa that you expect one under the tree.

Pricing has not been announced for the new models yet, but expect them to be slightly higher than the current line.

Gallery: Automoblox HR1, HR2 and HR3

Gallery: Automoblox T900

[Source: Automoblox]

Automoblox unveils hot rods and heavy duty pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza Motorsport 3: Official car list and free DLC announced, new trailer released [w/VIDEO]

Drew Phillips — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Toys/Games

Forza Motorsport Official Online Trailer - Click above to watch video after the jump

For the last several months, the folks over at Turn 10 Studios have teased us with previews of the cars that will star in Forza Motorsports 3. The highlights have included Ferraris, American muscle, sedans and SUVs, a variety of Japanese sports and racing cars, the almighty Bugatti 16.4 Veyron, and more. Now with the video game's official release less than a month away, Turn 10 has finally released the complete list of cars that will appear in the hotly anticipated video game. Buyers will be able to choose from more than 400 cars from over 50 manufacturers, all of which can be played using the new cockpit view and customized in the tuning and paint shop. Interestingly, although there are a number of historical Nissan GT-Rs from both street and track, the current car is not included in the roster.

But wait, there's more! In addition to releasing the full list of cars, Turn 10 also announced that those who purchase Forza 3 on launch day will receive a one-time-use token that will allow them to download ten additional cars and two extra tracks. On that list is the '57 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa and the '65 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, which means we will be officially picking up the game on the first day it's out.

To celebrate both announcements, Turn 10 has also released the official online game trailer that shows all-new game footage. You ready for it? Follow the jump to view the complete list of cars from Forza 3 and to watch the new trailer. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Forza Motorsport 3 Screen Shots

[Source: ForzaMotorsport.net]

Continue reading Forza Motorsport 3: Official car list and free DLC announced, new trailer released [w/VIDEO]

Forza Motorsport 3: Official car list and free DLC announced, new trailer released [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mark Your Calendars: Michael Bay says Transformers 3 coming... on July 1, 2011

Chris Paukert — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games, Celebrities

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen - click above for high-res gallery

We may have found this summer's blockbuster, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen to be heavy on the sizzle and lean on the meat, but that doesn't mean we've written off the series - after all, it's hard to dismiss excellent CG work, the childhood toys of our youth... to say nothing of that siren Megan Fox.

Thankfully, director Michael Bay informs us via his official website that the next installment is already in the works, and it's been assigned a release date - July 1 of 2011. That's a long time from now, granted, but Bay intimates in his blog post that Megan Fox has already signed on for the TF3 project, and hopefully Shia LaBeouf will make the scene too. Bay is already meeting with Hasbro to discuss new characters, so we'd expect a few new transforming automobiles to show up as well.

Here's hoping that they have enough time to craft a script that lives up to the special effects.

Gallery: Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

[Source: MichaelBay.com]

Mark Your Calendars: Michael Bay says Transformers 3 coming... on July 1, 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Behind the scenes of the PSP vs Driver ad

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Toys/Games

Gran Turismo for PSP - Click above image to view the video after the jump

If you missed the Gran Turismo Playstation Portable ad we featured earlier this week, have a look. We'll wait...

Back? Great. What you saw was Tanner Foust and Rhys Millen running around Laguna Seca, with Millen behind the wheel of a Corvette ZR1 and Foust riding shotgun while running the track on Sony's PSP.

Millen was kind enough to sent us a link to a behind the scenes video of the shoot, and along with Foust and Millen, we also get to see director Jeff Zwart and Rhy's rally champion father, Rod Millen, driving a few other cars during filming. Zwart is a long time rally driver/racer along with being a photographer and filmmaker, and in the new clip we get to see a few other cars (GT-R, Ford GT and... is that an E39 M5? Awesome!) mixing it up and getting sideways at speed with a camera car in the middle of the action. Best job ever? Pretty close. Make the jump to check it out.

Continue reading VIDEO: Behind the scenes of the PSP vs Driver ad

VIDEO: Behind the scenes of the PSP vs Driver ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something.

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Toys/Games

Gran Turismo for PSP - click above image to watch the video

In terms of tracks, we'd guess that while the Nürburgring gets the most press, Laguna Seca is number two. And with good reason, as Mazda's Raceway is fast, technical, beautiful and challenging. Plus, because the famed track's in Caramel, California, you get gorgeous, picture postcard weather for ten months of the year. If not more. Then, of course, there's the famous Corkscrew, and all of the hijinks that it ensures.

So large is Laguna's legend that Sony is now using to the track to sell its newly PSP ported version of Gran Turismo, the ever popular racing game. And as far as commercials go, this is one of the few we wish were a few minutes longer. The 'vert takes place on track at Laguna Seca where a Corvette ZR1 is chasing down a Ford GT and Nissan GT-R. And is that Tanner Foust? We think it is. Also, bonus points for whoever can identify the car the Blue Devil passes at the very beginning. Okay, we've stalled long enough. Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something.

VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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