Tag: cars

For the Love of Cars: An inside look at the making of CARS 2

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

CARS 2

CARS 2 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Pixar CEO and Cars Director John Lasseter looks tired. For the last eight hours, he’s been engaged in interviews and fielding inane questions from an assortment of entertainment, foreign and automotive press. But as soon as I ask about his inspiration for CARS 2, his eyes light up. “I just love cars,” he starts off, and then begins describing the various locales he visited while doing promotion for the 2006 original, all of which would later influence the sequel.

That’s just one of several clear lines of inspiration between CARS and CARS 2. The original came about after Lasseter and his family took a roadtrip across the U.S. while towing a 1962 Ford Falcon. The kids named the Falcon “Arnold” and the RV “Betty.”

For the sequel – and Lasseter’s overdue return to the director’s chair – he and his team decided to take the crew from Radiator Springs global. That includes stop-offs in Japan, Italy and Great Britain to compete in the fictionalized World Grand Prix, pitting racers of all disciplines against each other on circuits inspired by their countries of origin. Underlying all that racing action is a classic spy caper and, after viewing 26 minutes of footage, a slightly darker side to the world of Cars.

Continue reading For the Love of Cars: An inside look at the making of Cars 2…

Fair Warning: We’ll be discussing a few plot points and several characters after the jump, and while there aren’t any serious spoilers, if you want to enter the theater in a blissful state of ignorance, stop here.

Gallery: CARS 2

Gallery: CARS 2 Characters

GremAcerShu TodorokiRaoul ÇaRouleCarla Veloso

Images (C)Disney/Pixar

Continue reading For the Love of Cars: An inside look at the making of CARS 2

For the Love of Cars: An inside look at the making of CARS 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “For the Love of Cars: An inside look at the making of CARS 2“

Video: Slow-motion Segway joust has nothing to do with cars, is awesome

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

Segway Jousting by the Washington Lottery

Segway Jousting – Click above to watch the video after the break

What would you do if you won the lottery? Surely you’ve thought about it. You know, the typical stuff: Tell your boss to take this job and shove it (since my bosses are reading this, I’m just kidding), buy a fancy house and a fancy car, a yacht… maybe a small island in the South Pacific.

But those are all too obvious. Reach for the stars. You did just win the freaking lottery! What you really want to do is Segway Jousting, even if you don’t know it yet. That’s right. We said Segway Jousting, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Plus, since you’re now filthy rich, you can afford to invite your friends and pay through the nose for extremely high production values when you make a video of your exploits.

PS. Yes, we know that Segways aren’t cars. We don’t care, this is still awesome. Also, these aren’t actual Segways. Look closely and you’ll see that they are actually cheap Segway knockoffs that have – get this – four wheels. More carlike than you thought, eh? No? Whatever. Just watch the video after the break.

[Source: Washington Lottery via CrunchGear]

Continue reading Video: Slow-motion Segway joust has nothing to do with cars, is awesome

Video: Slow-motion Segway joust has nothing to do with cars, is awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Video: Slow-motion Segway joust has nothing to do with cars, is awesome”

Video: Why you should never follow other cars too closely

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos

Road debris accident

Scary road debris accident – Click above to view video after the jump

Flying road debris is a scary enough prospect when you’re paying attention to the road and not filming the truck driving along beside you with a cameraphone. While we don’t think the driver could have reacted quickly enough to avoid the flying road debris at that distance if he weren’t busy recording, we certainly don’t advocate this sort of thing.

According to the video’s description, everyone inside the car was miraculously okay, though their nerves were no doubt more than a little frayed. According to a study by the American Automobile Association, 25,000 accidents like this one happen every year, and around 100 of those are fatal. Yikers. Take a deep breath, then follow the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Video: Why you should never follow other cars too closely

Video: Why you should never follow other cars too closely originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Video: Why you should never follow other cars too closely”

Extraction Zone app helps first responders safely cut through modern cars

Filed under: Safety, Technology

Extraction Zone

The more safety features and technology gets crammed into modern cars, the harder it gets for first responders to cut through them safely. Cutting someone out of a car is hard enough without having to worry about inadvertently triggering an airbag or hitting a power supply.

To solve that problem, the Extraction Zone mobile app includes maps of the vital systems of popular cars, like the Honda Civic Hybrid, to help EMTs and fire departments find a safe area to cut through. The app highlights structural supports, airbags, and power and propulsion systems to give rescuers an idea where to cut safely. There’s even a night mode to make the app more visible in low-light situations.

[Source: Bohemian Innovation]

Extraction Zone app helps first responders safely cut through modern cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Extraction Zone app helps first responders safely cut through modern cars”

Lewis Hamilton and David Hobbscap confirmed for CARS 2

Filed under: Etc., Jaguar, Celebrities

Lewis Hamilton from Pixar's CARS 2

Lewis Hamilton and David Hobbscap from Pixar’s CARS 2 – Click above to see all the new characters

The seemingly endless rollout of new characters appearing in Pixar’s upcoming CARS 2 continues today with two new vehicles, one another Autoblog exclusive. That vehicle is none other than Lewis Hamilton, the only character we can think of so far whose name hasn’t been changed for the film.

The Formula One superstar will appear in the CARS sequel, set to open on June 24th in theaters nationwide, playing a “sleek and seriously fast #2 Grand Touring Sports champion.” Having grown up learning Karate and winning Karting championships, Hamilton’s character steps onto the international stage as Britain’s representative in the World Grand Prix. Follow the jump to see Lewis Hamilton’s CARS 2 character in our exclusive video turntable.

David Hobbscap from Pixar's CARS 2Next up is David Hobbscap, voiced by British F1 announcer David Hobbs. Hobbscap is a 1963 Coombs Lightweight Jaguar E-type, who Car and Driver reports has 20 Le Mans starts under his beltline and retired from racing to become a broadcaster, just like his human counterpart.

Hobbscap will join Darrell Cartrip and yet-to-be-revealed Brent Mustangberger on the three-car commentary team for the World Grand Prix in the film. Check out a screen capture off all three lifted from the official trailer after the jump.

Gallery: CARS 2 Characters

GremAcerShu TodorokiRaoul ÇaRouleCarla Veloso

[Source: Pixar, Car and Driver blog]

Continue reading Lewis Hamilton and David Hobbscap confirmed for CARS 2

Lewis Hamilton and David Hobbscap confirmed for CARS 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Lewis Hamilton and David Hobbscap confirmed for CARS 2”

Mazda dealers in U.S. asked not to order cars from Japan

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mazda

Mazda Emblem

Automotive News is reporting that Mazda has suspended U.S. dealers from ordering vehicles made in Japan. The automaker is apparently preparing to close down plants once more after briefly opening doors after the earthquake and tsunami activity on March 11.

This doesn’t mean that Mazda vehicles are going to dry up overnight, though. The automaker says that the ordering would only cover vehicles to be allocated for May, and that the company has decent vehicle stockpiles for U.S. buyers. As of right now, there’s no indication as to when ordering will resume.

Mazda is reported to have had a 93-day supply of vehicles on dealer lots at the beginning of this month. While that figure is down from a 123-day supply in February, Automotive News says that a 60-day supply is considered normal for the industry. The automaker currently imports the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, MX-5, RX-8, CX-7, and CX-9 models

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Mazda dealers in U.S. asked not to order cars from Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Mazda dealers in U.S. asked not to order cars from Japan”

Pics Aplenty: Audi R18 “Evolution 2” cars finish tests in U.S.

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Audi, Diesel, Racing

Audi R18 at Sebring

2011 Audi R18 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi let its new diesel-powered R18 LMP1 enclosed prototype loose on the U.S. for the first time for testing over the four-day weekend surrounding the 12 Hours of Sebring. Audi tested both R18s, chassis 101 and 102, against an R15 for a control group. The first U.S tests garnered feedback from all 10 of Audi’s factory drivers.

The tests put a beating on the R18s to make sure their aerodynamics, reliability and fuel economy all stacked up to the standards set by the previous generations of Audi’s diesel LeMans prototypes.

Their next stop is Ingolstadt to be fully disassembled and checked out, before being shipped to LeMans for the 24-hour race in June. Trust us, you owe it to yourself to see the images below in their full high-res glory.

Gallery: 2011 Audi R18

2011 Audi R182011 Audi R182011 Audi R182011 Audi R182011 Audi R18

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Audi R18 “Evolution 2” cars finish tests in U.S.

Pics Aplenty: Audi R18 “Evolution 2” cars finish tests in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Pics Aplenty: Audi R18 “Evolution 2” cars finish tests in U.S.”

Report: GM, Chrysler sue Allied shippers over cars “held hostage”

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM, UAW/Unions

Chevrolet Camaros on a lot

A situation has developed between Allied trucking and automakers General Motors and Chrysler that has deteriorated to the point of hostage-taking. The Detroit News reports that GM has filed a lawsuit against the car-hauling company that alleges it’s holding 1,700 of the automaker’s valuable Chevy Silverado and Camaro models that should be on their way to dealers. The vehicles in question are worth $47 million, and many of them are reportedly already bought and paid for by customers. The suit also claims that the inventory will depreciate in value if dealers don’t receive the vehicles, while at the same time dissatisfying customers.

The problems between Allied, GM and Chrysler started when the car hauler asked for a 15-percent raise. Allied had previously tried to cut the pay of Teamster union members by 20 percent, but was unable to do so due to a provision in the company’s labor contract. GM then severed ties with Allied on March 16.

One day after GM filed suit against Allied, Chrysler filed its own lawsuit in Ontario Superior Court. Team Pentastar claims Allied has 700 of its vehicles at Allied locations. The court has already granted Chrysler the right to recover 200 of those vehicles. Chrysler has resourced its vehicle hauling to other car hauling companies as a result of the dispute.

[Source: The Detroit News | Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Report: GM, Chrysler sue Allied shippers over cars “held hostage” originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: GM, Chrysler sue Allied shippers over cars “held hostage””

Report: Nissan to check radiation levels on cars tabbed for export

Filed under: Japan, Nissan

Nissan Cube

As fears of radiation from Japan’s severely compromised Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant seem to be growing by the minute, automakers have tried to assure car buyers that most of their products are produced far enough away from the crippled facility that fallout won’t end up on vehicles, but a report from Kicking Tires shows that Nissan wants to go a step further.

Nissan will reportedly perform a radiation inspection on all vehicles imported from Japan; a process that will continue until all threats of contamination have subsided. Nissan is following through with the inspections even though The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association announced that it has found no harmful levels of radiation in any vehicles destined for export.

Nissan, along with other Japanese automakers, is also trying to better assess any potential supply disruptions that could come as a result of the quake and ensuing tsunami. The automaker claims that its current supply of vehicles here in the U.S. stands at 50 days worth of cars, trucks and SUVs. That number could dwindle, however, as current estimates show that the carmaker has at least seven days worth of parts. After those seven days are up, the company will reportedly reassess its situation.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Report: Nissan to check radiation levels on cars tabbed for export originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: Nissan to check radiation levels on cars tabbed for export”

CARS 2 introduces Rip Clutchgoneski from New Rearendia

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games, Humor

Rip Clutchgoneski from CARS 2

Rip Clutchgoneski – Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest character from Pixar’s upcoming CARS 2 sequel is an open-wheel LMP-style racer (score one for commenters, we agree he looks more Le Mans than F1) from the former European colony of New Rearendia. Rip is the new republic’s best hope of getting its name on the map, and he’s managed to push his way into the World Grand Prix on the back of some impressive and improbable qualifying wins.

Rip has his work cut out for him, and attributes his successes to luck. The real reason for his success, however, is clearly his immense skill. Rip joins an already extensive cast of cars that make up the the characters of CARS 2.

Watch for Rip and the rest of the Lightning McQueen’s new buddies when Disney/Pixar’s CARS 2 hits theaters on June 24.

Gallery: CARS 2 Characters

GremAcerShu TodorokiRaoul ÇaRouleCarla Veloso

Gallery: Cars 2

[Source: Pixar]

CARS 2 introduces Rip Clutchgoneski from New Rearendia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “CARS 2 introduces Rip Clutchgoneski from New Rearendia”