Tag: real

ETC: Knit VW New Beetle Convertible is a real stitch

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Design/Style

A knit Beetle wins the 2013 Volkswagen Sunshine Tour

Well, now we’ve really seen everything. At the ninth Volkswagen Sunshine Tour, an annual gathering of thousands of Beetle lovers, the “most beautiful beach Beetle of the Year” award went to this New Beetle Convertible enrobed in 40 kilograms – that’s about 88 pounds – of colorful, knitted wool. According to VW’s press release, it took Marthe and Magnus Schwarz, who met at a previous Sunshine Tour (where else?), seven months to create their unique work of stitchery. As you can see in the photo above, Marthe even went the extra mile by knitting her husband a special beard for the occasion.

The annual Sunshine Tour takes place in Germany and is the largest private gathering of lovers of all three Beetle generations (the original Beetle, New Beetle and The Beetle). People came from across Europe for the August 17 event, bringing a record 414 Beetles of all themes, colors, shapes and sizes.

Alongside the parade of old Beetles, the new iBeetle from Volkswagen made its European premiere. The Beetle Cabrio Exclusive from Volkswagen R GmbH and the limited-edition Beetle GSR also made appearances. Scroll down to get all the “sunshiney” details in VW’s press release.

Continue reading Knit VW New Beetle Convertible is a real stitch

Knit VW New Beetle Convertible is a real stitch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Aug 2013 14:40:00 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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Video: CARS 2 debuts new trailer, releases real character specs

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games, Humor

Cars 2 trailer

Cars 2 trailer – Click above to watch the video after the break

We’ve got a feeling that you’ve been dying to know exactly what Lightning McQueen is packing under his hood. Pixar has been kind enough to release specifications on some of the heavy hitters of the upcoming Cars 2, including our hero protagonist. As it turns out, McQueen boasts 750 horsepower from a V8 engine, which is good enough to get him to 60 miles per hour in around 3.2 seconds on his way to a top speed of 200 mph. Those figures would be good enough to make him the quickest machine in the World Grand Prix were it not for Francesco Bernoulli.

The Italian F1 racer also rocks 750 ponies, but can do the 0-60 mph dance in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 220 mph. From the sound of things, it’s going to take some seriously fancy footwork for McQueen to take the checkered flag.

Pixar has released a third trailer that shows off a few more scenes from the movie. It looks like Mater will have a more prominent role in Cars 2 than in the first feature, as you’ll see from the video pasted after the break. You can also check out the specs on the rest of the competitors in the World Grand Prix as well.

While we’re on the Cars 2 kick, cruise over to Lego to see a seriously awesome play set. Is it too soon to start our holiday wish list?

Continue reading CARS 2 debuts new trailer, releases real character specs

CARS 2 debuts new trailer, releases real character specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 May 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BAC Mono gets real. Real awesome.

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Specialty

BAC Mono

BAC Mono – Click above for high-res image gallery

Maybe we watched too much A-Team when we were kids, but we just love it when a plan comes together. That’s especially true when the plan involves an open-cockpit, single-seat racer like the BAC Mono. Designed specifically to put hardware like the KTM X-Bow, Ariel Atom and the whole Caterham bunch in their proper places, the Mono features a carbon fiber skin draped over a space-frame steel cell. The bodywork is slick as can be, but it pales in comparison to the fact that this beast is powered by a 2.3-liter Cosworth four-pot with 280 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.

Considering the Mono tips the scales at a feathery 1,190 pounds, that should be more than enough pep to widen your eyes. The sad part? Briggs Automotive Company is only planning to hem 35 examples of the Mono. Of course, with a price tag of £67,000 pounds, we’d have more than a little trouble getting our hands on one even if we knew which palms to grease. BAC has been so kind as to release full specs on the machine as well as a volley of photos of the production model.

Delicious.

Hit the jump for the full read.

UPDATE: Following a communication with BAC, we’ve stricken the reference to the 35-example limit on Mono production, as the automaker has pointed out that is not the case.

Gallery: BAC Mono

[Source: BAC]

Continue reading BAC Mono gets real. Real awesome.

BAC Mono gets real. Real awesome. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno throws his Corvette Z06 on the Real Car Simulator

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Technology, Videos, Chevrolet

Jay Leno tries the Tag simulator

Jay Leno takes his Corvette Z06 out for a virtual spin – Click above to watch video after the jump

A few years back, we wrote about the Drag Tag simulator setup in Australia. It allows you to use your own car in a virtual environment that simulates hundreds of locations. Time of day and weather conditions can change and the whole experience sounds like a fun way to waste a few hours. Jay Leno was recently paid a visit by the Tag simulator crew and they brought an example of their setup into Leno’s garage.

With his yellow Chevrolet Corvette Z06 strapped into the dyno, Jay takes a tour of the simulators various tracks and driving conditions. The rolling road allows Leno to push the car as hard as he pleases with no legal or safety repercussions.

A machine makes sure air is blowing into the front of the car while an extractor pulls gases from the rear. It’s a slick setup that would look great bolted into the floor of the Autoblog garage. Click past the jump to watch Jay take his Vette for a virtual spin, and join us in dreaming of owning such a setup.

[Source: Jay Leno’s Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno throws his Corvette Z06 on the Real Car Simulator

Video: Jay Leno throws his Corvette Z06 on the Real Car Simulator originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Rémi’s real-life Mario Kart is back!

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games, Humor

remi gaillard creates real life version of mario kart

Itsa him… Rémi Gaillard, bringing Mario Kart into the real world – Click above to watch video after the jump

Rémi Gaillard is at it again. You might remember the last time the Frenchman took to his local streets in a go-kart, because he did it while dressed as the Nintendo character Mario. Gaillard has stocked up on more bananas and turtle shells in a new video where he gives the real world a taste of Mario Kart.

Since the banana is such an important tool on both the offensive and defensive side of Mario Kart driving tactics, Gaillard needs to keep a few of them handy. When he runs out he simply heads to the nearest grocery store… and proceeds to drive to the produce section.

His original video, posted after the jump, has been watched over 35 million times, and the sequel is already climbing into multiple millions of views as well. Click past the jump and keep an eye out for green shells and banana peels while watching both clips of Rémi Gaillard bringing Mario Kart to life.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Rémi’s real-life Mario Kart is back!

Video: Rémi’s real-life Mario Kart is back! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: (The Real) Top Gear returns this Sunday

Filed under: Videos, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ferrari

Top Gear hosts

Top Gear returns for Series 16 – Click above to watch video after the jump

The first season of Top Gear USA is in the books and as it closes its rookie outing with mixed reviews, the original BBC version is ready to kick off. The new season will be the 16th series for Top Gear and is set to air Sunday, January 23 on BBC 2 and BBC HD. Those of us in the States will have to wait a bit longer, depending on your preferred means of obtaining the show.

Top Gear has put out a trailer of what’s in store for the upcoming season, including segments on how to kill a classic Volkswagen Beetle, a battle between a Ferrari F40 and a Porsche 959, the best way to land a helicopter on top of a car and… well… whatever’s going on in the picture above.

Hop the jump to check out the trailer and prep your favorite torrent app for Sunday.

[Source: Top Gear]

Continue reading Video: (The Real) Top Gear returns this Sunday

Video: (The Real) Top Gear returns this Sunday originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jon Sibal’s BMW 1 M Coupe rendering to become real car

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe rendered by Jon Sibal

Jon Sibal is a very talented artist, and he recently turned his virtual pen on the all-new 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe. This rendering is going to be more than just a desktop wallpaper and a dream, however, because a BMW tuning company in Chicago is going to build it.

IND Distribution is teaming up with Patrick BMW, Jon Sibal and a handful of other companies to make this 1M and its classic M livery a reality. The car will get the exterior upgrades and paintwork as well as a host of performance modifications to dial up the fun-meter. We can’t wait to see the completed project.
Thanks for the tip, Andy!

[Source: Jon Sibal via MotorWorldHype]

Jon Sibal’s BMW 1 M Coupe rendering to become real car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Florida cancels online learner’s permit test after finding over 50% can’t pass test in real life [w/video]

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Videos

Person waiting in line at the DMV

No more online Learner’s Permit option for Florida drivers – Click above to watch video after the jump

If you live in Florida and are getting ready to take the test to get you’re learner’s permit, you better head to Google Maps and find the location of the nearest DMV. For the past decade, potential new drivers had the option of taking their permit test online. This practice just came to a screeching halt when they found that a large percentage of drivers passing the online test failed the in-person version. How large? Over 50 percent.

Emotions are predictably mixed, but we’re all for fine-tuning a program that gives people the privilege of piloting two-ton murder mobiles. Having smarter drivers on the road leads to a better motoring experience for all of us. It’s even plausible that a more knowledgeable pool of drivers could lead to fewer accidents and reduced insurance premiums.

Hop the jump to view My Fox Orlando’s segment on the matter.

[Source: My Fox Orlando]

Continue reading Florida cancels online learner’s permit test after finding over 50% can’t pass test in real life [w/video]

Florida cancels online learner’s permit test after finding over 50% can’t pass test in real life [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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23-year-old SC man hit by SUV playing real-life Frogger

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Safety, Lexus, Toys/Games

FroggerFrogger has claimed yet another victim. According to NBC affiliate WYFF 4, a 23-year-old man was taken to a hospital in Clemson, South Carolina after being struck by an SUV. Authorities say that Jimmy Dixon yelled “go” before attempting to dash across the intersection of Highway 123 and College Avenue at around 9 p.m. Monday. He didn’t get far before bouncing off of the front of a 2010 Lexus SUV.

Dixon was transported to Anderson Memorial Hospital where he remains in stable condition. In a refreshing dose of common sense, WYFF 4 NBC reports that the authorities have no intention of charging the driver of the SUV.

We can’t help but wonder how well Dixon would have fared against the flotilla of rolling logs, alligators and snapping turtles on the other side of the road had he made it across the highway. Here’s hoping he doesn’t try a repeat performance.

[Source: WYFF]

23-year-old SC man hit by SUV playing real-life Frogger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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