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Video: Hot Wheels holds 3D race on side of historic Aussie building

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Australia

Hot Wheels 3D Ad

Hot Wheels 3D advertisement – Click above to view video after the jump

Hot Wheels teamed up with an Amsterdam-based company called Muse Digital to create a 3D commercial that can be projected onto buildings. In this case, Hot Wheels had Muse make them a 3D, computer-generated race between four of its iconic models.

The race was projected onto the side of the historic Sydney Customs House. So advanced are the projected 3D graphics that the building appears to get destroyed throughout the course of the race, as familiar orange track bursts through the walls and a number of other calamities ensue.

The video itself is pretty campy, but the technology behind it is seriously cool. Click past the jump to see the clip in its entirety.

[Source: YouTube via MotorworldHype]

Continue reading Video: Hot Wheels holds 3D race on side of historic Aussie building

Video: Hot Wheels holds 3D race on side of historic Aussie building originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Building the Ducati Diavel in one minute

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Motorcycle

Ducati Diavel on the production line

Ducati Diavel on the production line – Click above to watch video after the jump

Ducati says it expects the upcoming Diavel to lead the company’s sales in 2011, and with 162 horsepower propelling just 456 pounds, we imagine that the Italian bike maker won’t have trouble finding homes for its latest creation. The Diavel, a performance cruiser, walks a fine line between face-ripping power and beautiful design. Now Ducati has given us all a glimpse into what it takes to put its new motorcycle on the road.

Using time-lapse video, we can follow the birth of a Ducati Diavel from a bare engine all the way to the menacing final product. Ducati says that it’s cranking out around 40 Diavel units per day, though it hopes to increase production by around 50 percent as riding season kicks into gear. Hit the jump to see the full build process for yourself.

[Source: Asphalt and Rubber]

Continue reading Video: Building the Ducati Diavel in one minute

Video: Building the Ducati Diavel in one minute originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW reportedly pondering building 3 and 5 Series models in U.S.

Automotive News Europe is reporting that BMW may be looking into expanding the number of models that the company manufactures here in the States. While the German automaker says that there are no solid plans on the table right now, it’s possible that both the 3 Series and the 5 Series could join the X3, X5 and X6 on the production line at the BMW facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina (shown above). The move is being considered as the U.S. threatens to overtake Germany as the company’s largest auto market. In 2010, the U.S. fell a mere 252 vehicles shy of taking the sales crown from Germany.

BMW currently holds a 2.3-percent market share in the U.S. with 266,000 vehicles sold in America in 2010. With the U.S. economy in a slow but steady state of improvement, the company fully expects to eclipse that number in 2011. As a result, the Spartanburg facility will operate at its full capacity of 240,000 units this year.

So far, it’s unclear as to whether the company would eye building a new facility for the American-built 3 and 5 Series vehicles or if BMW would simply add on to its South Carolina plant.

[Source: Automotive News Europe – sub. req.]

BMW reportedly pondering building 3 and 5 Series models in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey building ZR1-powered HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible

2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is getting ready to take the stage at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, but John Hennessey and his band of tuners can’t wait that long. Hennessey Performance has announced plans and specs for its upcoming, limited-edition 2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible.

HPE had a hit on its hands when it announced the 2010 HPE700 Camaro. That 725-horsepower coupe was limited to just 24 examples and they were all quickly spoken for. Since Chevrolet is bringing out the droptop Camaro, Hennessey has decided to produce another 24-car limited-edition run with the 2011 model. The 2011 Hennessey HPE700 will be available in both coupe and convertible form, and the cars stats are staggering.

The HPE700 ditches the LS3 mill found in the standard Camaro SS and in its place sticks the supercharged LS9 from the Corvette ZR1. Hennessey says the motor has been tweaked to produce 755 hp and 763 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 is able to hit those numbers thanks to revised boost levels and a more robust fuel system. Thanks to all that power, Hennessey has listed a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds. A trip down the quarter-mile happens in 10.9 seconds at 130 miles per hour. Those figures are for the hardtop version when fitted with optional Nitto drag radials.

It’s not just a straight-line shooter though, as Hennessey adds more than power to its HPE700. The car is fitted with lightweight HPE wheels, 15-inch brakes with six-piston front calipers, larger sway bars and an adjustable coilover suspension setup. The exterior is fitted with numerous carbon fiber trim pieces. Inside, the HPE700 Camaro receives Hennessey logos on the headrests and floor mats, an HPE race shift knob and upgraded shifter, a numbered dash and hood plaque and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.

Currently, there is no set allocation plan for the coupe and convertible in the 24-car run. Pricing has been set at a stout $132,500, but that includes the cost of the base vehicle. It also includes a one-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. The quarter-mile dragstrip, which has been featured in many of Hennessey’s videos, is located next door to the company’s production facility and showroom.

Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Hennessey HPE700 LS9 Camaro Convertible

[Source: Hennessey]

Continue reading Hennessey building ZR1-powered HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible

Hennessey building ZR1-powered HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mickey Thompson’s son building 300-mph Ford Mustang?

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing

Brent Hojek 300 mph Ford Mustang

Plenty of us that grew up around a drag strip know the name Mickey Thompson, but fewer of us realize that the guy was more than a name on the sidewall of some seriously sticky rubber. He was also responsible for setting plenty of land-speed records in his day, including being the first guy to break the 400 mph barrier on the salt. His son, Danny Thompson, is no slouch behind the wheel, either. Last year, the younger Thompson managed to set the fastest land speed for any Ford Mustang. With a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 swilling down E85, the Thompson clicked off 252 mph, and this year, he’s going back for more.

Danny Thompson will attempt to waltz past the 300 mph barrier with another Mustang owned by Brent Hojek. This car, like the last, will run off of E85, but will pack somewhere close to 1,300 horsepower. The new pony also wears soy-based carbon-fiber body work and unique soy-based yellow paint in an attempt to ecologically justify a supercharged V8. Hey, we aren’t complaining. Head over to Stang TV for a closer look at the blown 5.4-liter.

[Source: Stang TV]

Mickey Thompson’s son building 300-mph Ford Mustang? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen building engine plant in Mexico to supply U.S. factory

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen NMS Sketch – Click above to enlarge

Reports streaming out of Mexico indicate that Volkswagen will announce a new plant about 250 miles northwest of the Mexico City in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato. If true, this facility is expected to produce engines for both VW’s new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, along with the already up-and-running plant in Puebla, Mexico.

Such an announcement has been expected, as executives from the German automaker have publicly stated that the company will spend $1 billion on additional production facilities in Mexico over the next three years.

The engines from this plant would be destined for North American-bound Volkswagen Jetta sedans and the upcoming New Midsize Sedan that we’ve all been waiting so patiently for over the last couple of years.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req’d]

Report: Volkswagen building engine plant in Mexico to supply U.S. factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai building new California headquarters

Filed under: Etc., Hyundai

Hyundai has announced plans to build a new North American headquarters in Orange County, California. The $150 million project will take nearly two years, create a projected 1,530 new construction jobs and generate a total economic impact of around $273 million. At least that’s what the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation is hoping.

The Korean automaker is planning to start construction at its Fountain Valley Campus by mid 2011. The new facility will boast 500,000 square feet of both floor and garage space, effectively doubling the capacity of the current headquarters. Hyundai says that the building will be able to house a total of 1,400 employees – doubling the company’s current workspace.

Hyundai has called Orange County home since it landed in America in 1985, and the company says that its new building underscores its commitment to the greater Los Angeles area. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

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Hyundai building new California headquarters originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette engine-building program gets first taker

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

Todd Schnitt with his Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – Click above for high-res image gallery

In what may be the ultimate experience for the ultimate Chevrolet Corvette fan, General Motors is allowing buyers of the ultimate versions of its sportscars the opportunity to build their own engines. It’s… ultimate, and it’s called the Corvette Engine Build Experience. The first person to take The General up on its offer is Tampa, Florida-based radio talk show host Todd Schnitt.

Total cost for the experience rings in at $5,800 (plus travel to Detroit), but Schnitt doesn’t seem to mind shelling out a few extra greenbacks: “To build my own engine is over the top,” said Schnitt. “When my dealer told me about the option, it was like ‘Of course, I’ll do it, sign me up!’. I can’t wait to get there and build my own LS9. It will be the ultimate personalization for my car. I’m anticipating it being one of the coolest things I’ve done in my life.”

Reading between the lines a little bit, it’s obvious that Schnitt is something of a GM super fan. This is the third ZR1 he’s purchased in as many years, and he bought a Z06 in ’07. He’s also attended GM’s high performance driving school and traveled to the National Corvette Museum to pick up a previous ‘Vette. Oh, and his daily driver is a 2010 Cadillac CTS-V.

Feel free to click on past the break for all the details and a video of the process, and be sure to check out our high-res image gallery below to see what it takes to screw together a supercharged LS9 engine from GM.

Gallery: Corvette Engine Build Experience

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Corvette engine-building program gets first taker

Corvette engine-building program gets first taker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maker Faire Detroit 2010: 72-year-old building his own Ariel Atom clone

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Specialty, Design/Style

Bert Campbell’s Atom chassis – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ariel Atom is an amazing piece of automotive minimalism and could be what Lotus founder Colin Chapman would build were he still with us today. However, not everyone can swing the price tag for an Atom. In the case of 72-year-old Bert Campbell of Southgate, MI, his artificial hip also posed an ingress/egress problem. Bert is one of the participants at the first Detroit Maker Faire, and because of his mobility problem, he decided to the take the basic Atom chassis design and modify the sides to make them lower. To compensate for the loss of structure, he added a roll-cage on top.

Campbell bought the steel tubing at swap meet for about $20 and got the front control arms from another hobbyist in return for some help fixing a lathe. Campbell built his own tubing bender and roller to shape the steel and has done all the fabrication in his girlfriend’s garage. Although he has several engines available, Campbell plans to install an 1100cc Yamaha motorcycle engine in the back with the original five-speed gearbox. Bert promises to keep us up to date as the project progresses, so stay tuned for more.

Gallery: Bert Campbell’s home built Atom

Maker Faire Detroit 2010: 72-year-old building his own Ariel Atom clone originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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