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Video: Watch Tony Stewart violently crash a Sprint Car

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Racing

Tony Stewart crash video

Tony Stewart is a racecar driver. There aren’t really any ifs, ands or buts about that. Unlike the sheltered stars of other sports that would rarely be caught dead around the lower levels, Stewart actively seeks out midget and sprint races, often on dirt tracks around the country. Stewart got started in these smaller, local events, and hasn’t stopped racing in them since hitting it big.

His latest outing, at Ohsweken Speedway in Ontario, didn’t end quite so well, according to a report from Yahoo! Sports. The three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, who currently sits at eleventh in the Sprint Cup standings after a fourth place finish at the Brickyard 400, popped up for the Northern Summer Nationals sprint car race, and was duking it out with the eventual race winner when he ran wide in the middle of the corner. It looks like he picked up some debris, which was enough to send the car tumbling across the top of the track.

Thankfully, the crash looked a lot worse than it actually was, and Stewart walked away. Take a look at the full video below.

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Watch Tony Stewart violently crash a Sprint Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 [w/video]

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche, First Drives, Racing

The Bearable Lightness Of Being

Start with a standard Porsche 911 Carrera and its 350-horsepower, 3.6-liter flat six-cylinder engine. Bore a crepe-thin slice of aluminum from each cylinder to get to 3.8 liters, add a wider track out back and two extra exhaust pipes and voila, you can append an S to the Carrera’s name. Hang two sets of wet, multi-disc clutches along its spine and you can make that a 4, or a 4S. Bolt on two forced-induction compressors and piping, add two fender vents and comically wide rear tires and you’ve redeemed your ticket to a Turbo. Increase the boost pressure and swell the corral to 560 horses and you have the Turbo S, which is the Virginia Slims of the 911 line-up because it’s come a long way, baby.

Or you can go in a different direction. At that second stop, grab the 3.8-liter and cart it over to the engineers at Porsche’s development center in Weissach, Germany. If racing were meat, they would be among the alpha carnivores. The baseboards in their homes are probably painted with miniature billboards for motor oil and vintage cigarettes along the straights, red-and-white stripes around every corner.

Instead of watching them add things to the 911, watch them take away. They will subtract the kinds of things you can feel in your hands, like components and weight and mass. By doing that, they will add the things you can feel in your butt and your gut, like acceleration and handling and thrill.

That has been the formula for the previous four generations of the 911 GT3, and it is that same incantation chanted over this fifth generation 991-based GT3. It’s stiffer, more powerful, faster and handles better than the coupe that came before it. It weighs more than the outgoing model, but it also – as we’ve come to expect – has more power.

And when Thomas Jefferson’s line “Every generation needs a revolution” was the opening quote of the press conference that introduced the 2014 911 GT3, the easy explanation would be that the speaker was referring to the coupe’s advances. But we’re pretty sure he was answering the question everyone’s been asking since the words “PDK-only” began being applied to the car: “What in Gott‘s name have you done with my manual transmission?”

Continue reading 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 [w/video]

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Penalties possible for drivers wearing Google Glass in US and UK [w/poll]

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Technology, UK

Google Glass may be banned by the UK and West Virginia before it's released.

The key feature of Google Glass is that it basically puts an Android smartphone on users’ heads, allowing them hands-free operation of many smartphone features, including web browsing, phone calls, texting and navigation. A small heads-up display rests directly above the right eye, making it seem like a match made in heaven for drivers, who could use Glass without taking their hands off the wheel. But lawmakers already are planning to ban the device from being used while driving before it has even been released to the general public, Engadget reports.

A UK Department for Transportation official told Stuff that it is “in discussion with the police to ensure that individuals do not use this technology while driving.” Similarly, as Gizmodo reports, West Virginia House of Delegates member Gary G. Howell has said he thinks the technology would be just as problematic as texting while driving and is introducing a bill to ban Google Glass from being used on the roads in that state.

Glass has been tested while riding a motorcycle with mixed results, and there’s even an application in development for Tesla Model S owners, but it could all be for naught if Big Brother says no. Do you think using Google Glass should be prohibited while driving? Sound off in the poll below.

View Poll

Penalties possible for drivers wearing Google Glass in US and UK [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ferrari considering return to Le Mans racing in 2015

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari

Rumors are swirling that Ferrari may be contemplating a return to Le Mans racing as soon as 2015. Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports the Italian automaker may apply the development of a new 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine for Formula One to an LMP1 car for Le Mans, and have it ready for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in two years. This follows hints made by Scuderia Ferrari CEO Stefano Domenicali last month that the newly developed F1 engine could be used for “some interesting projects.”

Ferrari has a history of success in Le Mans racing, though it hasn’t won the big endurance outright since 1965. The image above captures the exact moment when the No. 21 car of Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt crossed the finish line that year to win the race. That win was the last of six consecutive outright victories before the infamous arrival of the Ford GT40 in 1966. Despite never reaching the top of the podium again, Ferrari’s nine wins still stand as the third most overall by a manufacturer behind Porsche (16) and Audi (11).

If Ferrari does return to Le Mans in 2015, the LMP1 class will suddenly be teaming with worthy competitors for Audi, which has dominated the race since 2000. After Peugeot’s exit from the sport in early 2012, Toyota entered the race in 2012 and has continued to develop its TS030 Hybrid LMP1 car. Porsche, meanwhile, is well into developing a new LMP1 car that will first compete in next year’s race.

Ferrari considering return to Le Mans racing in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Porsche forum claims eco-friendly 911 Blu coming to Frankfurt

Filed under: Porsche, Rumormill

2014 Porsche 911 Carrera Blu Edition front three-quarter

The fiftieth anniversary of the Porsche 911 has been a nearly year-long affair, with unique tributes and even a special anniversary edition with plenty of retro throwbacks. The party is expected to continue through the end of 2013, and if one 911 enthusiast forum is right, we’ll see yet another special edition model near the anniversary of the original car’s September 1963 debut, when it arrives at next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show.

It’s called the 911 Blu, and where the 911 50 Years Edition was more expensive than a 911 Carrera S hardtop, the Blu would be an entry level special edition. That’s right, a limited run car that actually slots in at the very bottom of the 911 range. According to Porsche forum 911UK.com, the new car would be priced at 74,600 euros ($98,718 at today’s rates) or 64,750 pounds. That undercuts the price of a base 911 in Germany by nearly 16,000 euros and in the UK by nearly 8700 pounds (although to be fair, it’s roughly identical to the price of a base 911 C2S in the US).

This 911 will reportedly feature a detuned flat-six with 300 horsepower and 211 pound-feet of torque.

This 911 will reportedly feature a detuned flat-six with 300 horsepower and 211 pound-feet of torque, while cylinder deactivation and active grille shutters should help with economy. Stop-start technology will be standard, along with Porsche’s new Regeneration System. (There’s no explanation of what this system is, by the way.) The wheels will be 18-inchers, and will use hollow spokes for less weight. Porsche’s Active Suspension Management will be an optional item rather than standard. Finally, the Blu is reportedly a hardtop convertible.

If you’re like us, you’re mainlining salt by this point. There are so many things about this proposed special edition that don’t make sense that it’s difficult to cover them all here. And that’s without us even mentioning the woeful Riviera Blue/Guards Red exterior seen above. (No, we aren’t kidding.)

First and foremost, there’s been nothing from Porsche about this car. Not a peep, not a spy shot, not so much as a hint that something special was coming to Frankfurt. The oft-rumored budget 911 is already available – it’s called the Cayman S. There’s even a convertible version called the Boxster S. The reported run to 62 takes 5.4 seconds in the PDK-only car, meaning you will get trampled by most other sports cars that cost half as much as this 911. Who, but the most diehard 911 fanatic, is going to spend this kind of money on a car that will be slower and more expensive than a Cayman S? Also, if Porsche had developed some kind of “revolutionary” hardtop for the 911, why not show it on one of the more robust Carrera models? We could go on.

According to the forum, the 911 Blu will be limited to 911 units (cute), with 300 earmarked for the US market. We’ll see if any of this is true when we attend the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

Porsche forum claims eco-friendly 911 Blu coming to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ram 2500 HD video shows off new engine, rear suspension

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Work, Ram

2014 Ram 2500HD

We’ve already had a chance to drive the 2014 Ram 3500 HD, but the big news for the 2014 Ram Heavy Duty lineup might be centered around the three-quarter-ton 2500 model. Chrysler has released a new video highlighting the new features of the 2014 Ram 2500 HD, including its new optional engine and new rear suspension components.

The video starts by showing off the Ram’s new 410-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and then gives us an up-close look at the coil spring, multi-link rear suspension – one of the truck’s most important upgrades aimed at delivering a smooth ride. In addition to this coil suspension, the Ram 2500 HD will also be available with a rear air suspension system, which Chrysler says will optimize the truck’s hauling abilities with better load leveling and trailer towing.

Scroll down for the walkaround video of the 2500 HD from Chrysler as well as the original press release breaking down all of the truck’s new-for-2014 features.

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Ram 2500 HD video shows off new engine, rear suspension originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Ford Focus ST, Fiesta ST buyers to get free Octane Academy driving school

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford

The Ford Focus ST and Fiesta ST have created plenty of excitement in the sport compact segment, and Ford is looking to make sure that owners are driving and enjoying their cars to the best of their abilities. As an added bonus for buying one of these sporty hatchbacks, Ford will provide a complimentary ST Octane Academy session to be held at the Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.

Attendees will be responsible for travel and lodging, but Ford will provide the driving school free of charge. Included in this two-day trip, ST owners will get class instruction and driving instruction in prepped Focus ST and Fiesta ST models on the track and autocross course. Some karting action will also be involved as will a tour of Ken Block’s Hoonigan Racing headquarters located nearby. If this doesn’t sound like enough fun, there is also an optional day of activities that includes some more track time in a Mustang GT and off-road instruction in an F-150 SVT Raptor.

Ford told us that those who have already purchased a Focus ST or Fiesta ST will still be able to attend the performance driving school, but the press release, which is posted below, makes it sound like it applies to original owners only. Ford has yet to announce its schedule for the ST Octane Academy or prices for additional activities or guests.

Continue reading Ford Focus ST, Fiesta ST buyers to get free Octane Academy driving school

Ford Focus ST, Fiesta ST buyers to get free Octane Academy driving school originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: VW launches Car-Net telematics system with brace of safety features

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Safety, Technology, Crossover, Volkswagen, Infotainment

Volkswagen will offer Car-Net assistance system for select 2014 models.

Starting with select 2014 models, Volkswagen will offer an in-car assistance system called Car-Net, which comes with safety features such as location-based roadside assistance, automatic crash notification, remote vehicle unlock, destination assistance and more. The system is very similar to General Motors’ OnStar, but VW is quick to point out that a subscription to Car-Net gives the owner access to all of its features. OnStar requires that subscribers pay extra for its navigation function.

A mobile application will be available to accompany the in-car system as well, and working together they allow owners to check vehicle status or even find where they last parked.

The 2014 VWs that are compatible with the system are Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, CC, Beetle and Eos models. One year will cost $199; two years is $378, three years is $540; or $17.99 for a month-to-month subscription. Feel free to read the press release we included below.

Continue reading VW launches Car-Net telematics system with brace of safety features

VW launches Car-Net telematics system with brace of safety features originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ETC: Mercedes drastically reduces size of S-Class with new model cars

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Toys/Games

Mercedes-Benz S-Class scale models

Mercedes-Benz takes its all-new S-Class quite seriously, even by German standards. So it shouldn’t come as a shock that even a scale-model Sonderklasse is carefully crafted. The miniatures in question cover the 2014 S-Class and come courtesy of three brands, in three different sizes, and are available through the Mercedes-Benz Collection.

The largest, and not surprisingly priciest, model is a 1:18-scale (making it about 11.4 inches long) creation from Norev. It features 145 individual parts, with opening and closing doors, trunk, and hood. For those that like to play with their expensive toys, the Norev S-Class comes with gloves. Dropping down the line is a 1:43-scale from Schuco that sits at 4.5 inches long. Like the larger model, it has a sunroof, detailed headlights, and multi-spoke wheels. With 55 parts, the doors, hood, and trunk can’t be manipulated, but it does come on a stylish plinth, with a case. The smallest model is by Herpa, and is a tiny 1:87-scale (about 2.3 inches long) miniature. Only 26 parts are used, but like the Schuco, it comes on a plinth and with a case.

All three models come with a choice of three paints, with Diamond White Metallic available across the range. The Norev model adds Blue Anthracite and Iridium Silver, while the Schuco can be had in Diamond Silver and Magnetite Black. The Herpa, meanwhile, runs a mix of the two, with Blue Anthracite and Magnetite Black.

Pricing is only available in euros, and includes Germany’s 19-percent value added tax. The Norev is 79.90 euros ($106.06), the Schuco is 29.90 euros ($39.69) and the Herpa is 15.90 euros ($21.11, all conversions are today’s rates.) Scroll down below for a press release from Mercedes.

Continue reading Mercedes drastically reduces size of S-Class with new model cars

Mercedes drastically reduces size of S-Class with new model cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Griswold Family travels to Disney in the Family Truckster, for real

Filed under: Classics, Wagon, Videos, Celebrities, Humor, Specialty, Design/Style, TV/Movies

Wagon Queen Family Truckster

Is there anyone among us who didn’t laugh uncontrollably at the Family Truckster that transported Clark, Ellen, Rusty and Audrey (along with a few other, less fortunate souls…) to Wally World in National Lampoon’s Vacation? We thought not. Such a classic piece of Hollywood automobilia deserves such recognition, we think, and we’re happy to report that one real-life Griswold Family has replicated the movie’s fateful trip the best way it can: with a Wagon Queen Family Truckster of their very own.

Wally World exists only in the imagination of the movies, and that’s fine because Disney World not only exists but is a perfect fill-in for the Griswold Family Vacation. The family may not be greeted by the late, great John Candy, and they probably aren’t going to see Christie Brinkley in a bright red Ferrari, but they will for sure see Mickey Mouse, and hopefully even Tinker Bell, if they’re lucky.

Check out the video below to see the real-life Griswold Family and their faithful recreation of the infamous Family Truckster, and feel free to head on over to the official Disney blog for more on the family and their vacationing travails. Finally, check out another fan-made Family Truckster here.

Continue reading Griswold Family travels to Disney in the Family Truckster, for real

Griswold Family travels to Disney in the Family Truckster, for real originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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