Video: Fifth Gear pricks up its ears for the Audi A1

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Audi

Audi A1
Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Audi A1 certainly looks the part of a premium micro mini. Luxury touches like LED headlamps and available faux aluminum trim helps make the case that Audi’s newest and smallest ride deserves to wear the four-ringed badge.

But beyond attractive sheet metal and a typically wonderful Audi interior, we can’t help but wonder how the A1 handles itself. Is it too small to feel luxurious on the open road? Does it have the chops to take on the venerable Mini Cooper?

Jonny Smith from Fifth Gear attempts to answer those questions and more by taking the A1 for a spin on UK streets. Hit the jump to take in the 3:09 video. We don’t want to spoil anything, but lets just say that we’re very interested in getting our hands on the smallest Audi money can buy.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A1

[Source: German Car Scene]

Continue reading Video: Fifth Gear pricks up its ears for the Audi A1

Video: Fifth Gear pricks up its ears for the Audi A1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear, Clarkson blamed for Reliant Robin prank [w/video]

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Renault, UK, Humor

Click above to view the video after the jump

The Reliant Robin received some time in the spotlight recently when Top Gear superstar Jeremy Clarkson took the three-wheeled auto on a precarious 14-mile journey through the laws of physics. Clarkson managed to roll the tipsy tricycle a bunch of times during the hilarious bit, reminding us again that the instability of three-wheeled vehicles probably isn’t worth the improved fuel economy – at least for those trikes with the single wheel leading the way. The stunt may have captured the attention of some bird-brained pranksters over in the UK, as Barry Cloughton can attest.

The BBC reports that Cloughton’s Reliant Robin was overturned twice in one weekend in what the retired plumber calls a “copy-cat attack.” The motorized trike was first tipped one Friday night as it sat outside Cloughton’s house. After the Robin was returned to its proper upright stance, the vehicle was overturned a second time the following night, this time damaging the side mirror and spilling gasoline all over the driveway and into the man’s garden. Sargent Steve Reid of St. Austell Police stresses that this situation could have become deadly if the petrol were to somehow ignite, adding that pranksters have been tipping vehicles since long before Clarkson first went topsy turvy in June.

On a somewhat odd side note, Cloughton calls his Robin a “good car,” adding that he only turned over a Robin one time after hitting a slippery patch. That’s it, just the one time? Call us crazy, but even flipping one time is probably one time too many. Click past the break to watch Clarkson’s travails with the Robin.

[Source: BBC]

Continue reading Top Gear, Clarkson blamed for Reliant Robin prank [w/video]

Top Gear, Clarkson blamed for Reliant Robin prank [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #190 – Chrysler profit, Top Gear USA and small Buicks

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Lexus, Lincoln, Earnings/Financials

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris, Sam and Dan come back for Episode #190 of the Autoblog Podcast, and this time around we talk about Chrysler’s profit announcement, the Top Gear USA trailer, Honda’s latest recall, the Buick Verano. We also touch on a Ferrari-based Lancia Stratos tribute and GM’s prospects for selling Chevrolet Volts. We kick the ball around on a single question before calling it a night right at the hour mark. Thanks for listening, see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #190 – Chrysler profit, Top Gear USA and small Buicks

In the Autoblog Garage:

Ford F450 Super Duty
Lexus RX450h
Lincoln MKT

News:

  • Chrysler Profit
  • Top Gear USA Trailer
  • Buick Verano
  • Lancia Stratos tribute
  • GM says Chevrolet Volt will find buyers

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 67:26


Get the podcast:
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:

Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #190 – Chrysler profit, Top Gear USA and small Buicks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: First trailer for U.S. Top Gear!

Filed under: Videos, Cadillac, Celebrities

U.S. Top Gear trailer – Click above to watch the video after the jump

You all know that the long-awaited U.S. version of Top Gear is headed to The History Channel, and now it’s time to get your first taste of the show. The first trailer for the show is online, and if it’s any indication, Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrara are going to win over viewers, and the program will not stray from the BBC original’s successful formula of cool tests and zany challenges.

In fact, one of the new show’s challenges is the trailer’s centerpiece. In involves the hosts determining the best $1,000 car by putting a trio of them through a punishing “moonshine run” dirt course. The ride selected for the teaser is Ferrara’s, the airborne 1976 Cadillac Deville Calais seen above (it could be a ’75, but we’re pretty certain that’s the ’76 grille pattern). How does a malaise-era Caddy handle a landing after catching that much air? About as well as you’d imagine – this isn’t the make-believe world of ’70s cop shows, after all. It’s hilarious.

Bottom line: The hosts exude great chemistry and the motoring action is pretty much everything you’d want and expect from a program calling itself Top Gear. Still under wraps, however, is the Stig. The suspense is killing us. This looks like a completely fun show. Hit the jump to see for yourselves. Thanks to Chris for the tip!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: First trailer for U.S. Top Gear!

Video: First trailer for U.S. Top Gear! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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