Tag: [w/video]

Dale Earnhardt Intimidator Camaro returns for 2011 [w/video]

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Specialty

Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet Intimidator Camaro

Dale Earnhardt Intimidator Chevrolet Camaro – Click above for high-res image gallery

Just when you thought you’d seen every special-edition Chevrolet Camaro out there another model comes along. Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet of Newton, NC has pulled the sheets back on a new Intimidator Camaro. The model follows in the footsteps of the 2001 Intimidator Camaro SS, by throwing a heap of extra horsepower at the already formidable muscle car. Under the hood, a supercharged V8 churns out 704 horsepower and 695 pound-feet of torque, while the rest of the vehicle has received suitable upgrades to cope with the increased performance. The suspension now wears one-inch drop rate springs, adjustable sway bars and new subframe connectors, along with a set of cross-drilled rotors help bring the vehicle down from speed.

A custom, single-piece aluminum shifter is part of the package indoors, as well as suede seat inserts, white-face gauges and an Intimidator logo embroidered into each headrest. Outside, the Intimidator Camaro can be distinguished from its non-NASCAR name-checking counterparts by its cowl hood, race-inspired spoilers and chrome wheels. Hit the jump to check out a video of the car under construction.

Continue reading Dale Earnhardt Intimidator Camaro returns for 2011 [w/video]

Dale Earnhardt Intimidator Camaro returns for 2011 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 May 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Ford F-150 4×4 SuperCrew [w/video]

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Reviews

Rollin’ With The F-150’s New 5.0

2011 Ford F-150 4x4 SuperCrew

2011 Ford F-150 4×4 SuperCrew – Click above for high-res image gallery

As a race, we humans are obsessed with the notion of “best.” Whether it’s generations of on-point marketing or a strand of latent genetic code that pushes us to shack up with a better mate, we just can’t shake the disposition. It’s what drives our society forward – the quest for the latest product that promises a slightly improved experience or that one feature that eclipses the competition. It’s why we can happily saunter up to the feeding trough at the local buffet instead of poking at wild boars with pointy sticks. It is, simply put, a good thing.

The domestic full-size truck segment provides perhaps the greatest study in “best” available. Each new model year gives the Big Three one more shot at outdoing each other in the areas of power, towing capacity, interior room and fuel economy. Neither Ford, General Motors nor Chrysler skips the chance to brag about its latest advancements over the other two. But as with everything, there can be only true king. In this feudal system, it’s Ford F-150, which has attracted more buyers than the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Ram 1500 for years. Why? We took to the saddle of Ford’s latest entry-level F-Series equipped with the company’s new 5.0-liter V8 to find out.

Continue reading 2011 Ford F-150 4×4 SuperCrew [w/video]

2011 Ford F-150 4×4 SuperCrew [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Falcon Motorcycles Black Falcon is the epitome of the art [UPDATED w/video]

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Motorcycle

Falcon Motorcycles Black Falcon

Falcon Motorcycles Black Falcon – Click above for high-res image gallery

One of these days, we’re going to make it down to the Quail Motorcycle Gathering. Aside from being a Mecca for the two-wheel set, the venue also serves as the backdrop for numerous debuts. This year, Falcon Motorcycles pulled the sheets back on its latest creation – the Black Falcon. The machine started life as a legendary Vincent Black Shadow that had been converted into a drag racer and lakebed heathen.

After a year of work by a six-man crew, the bike has transcended mere transportation. The blueprinted engine now produces a full 75 horsepower thanks to lightened, balanced internals, and a set of massive brakes sourced from the locomotive sector stand ready to bring the party down from its 140 mph top speed.

There isn’t a single piece of the Black Falcon that hasn’t been broken down and re-engineered to perform and look better than the factory ever intended. Falcon even constructed two tanks for the machine – one for road travel and smaller, one-gallon piece for racing duty. We’re completely smitten. Head over to Bike Exif for a full rundown on the creation, and be sure to check out this beautiful machine in our high-res image gallery.

*Update: Video can now be found after the break.

Continue reading Falcon Motorcycles Black Falcon is the epitome of the art [UPDATED w/video]

Falcon Motorcycles Black Falcon is the epitome of the art [UPDATED w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Airplane/train hybrid could replace high-speed trains [w/video]

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Technology

Japanese flying train concept

Hovering Aero Train – Click above to watch video after the jump

A Japanese research team led by Yusuke Sugahara at Tohoku University has built a robotic prototype of a free-flying, ground-effects vehicle that floats within inches of the road. Called Aero Train, this ground-effects vehicle will be used to test an autonomous three-axis stabilization system.

Packing electric motors, the Aero Train hovers inches above the tarmac, eliminating any rolling resistance and allowing it to hit a top speed of 124 miles per hour. A U-shaped concrete channel controls air flow and provides the Aero Train’s robotic controls with a makeshift road to follow. On-board computers control pitch, roll and yaw of the prototype.

In the future – get this – the developers envision the Aero Train traveling within a tunnel capped with solar panels that send juice directly to the vehicle’s batteries. Hit the jump to catch video of the prototype Aero Train floating down the road.

Continue reading Airplane/train hybrid could replace high-speed trains [w/video]

Airplane/train hybrid could replace high-speed trains [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 May 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear crew makes pit stop, has trouble charging electric cars [w/video]

Filed under: Nissan, Peugeot, Celebrities, Humor, Electric

Jeremy Clarkson gets a push in a Nissan Leaf

Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson gets a push in a Nissan Leaf – Click above to watch the video after the break

It would seem that the guys from Top Gear are back to giving electric vehicles the what-for. According to The Lincolnite, James May and Jeremy Clarkson were respectively spotted piloting a Peugeot iOn and a Nissan Leaf through England during a cross-country trek (which is exactly what electric cars are for, right?).

The duo stopped by Lincolnshire County to ask about the nearest place to charge their alternative-fuel steeds, only to find that the entire municipality is bereft of chargers. Apparently May and Clarkson then set about driving around the city until their vehicles died and they were forced to get a tow.

If this all sounds familiar, that’s because Top Gear rustled up a mess of snakes the last time Clarkson jumped behind the wheel of an EV. After depicting the Tesla Roadster as suffering a brake failure and running out of power, Tesla shot back refuting what happened as pure fiction. That little dust-up has yet to settle.

The truth is that the vast majority of people come to Top Gear to be entertained, and most viewers probably realize that there’s plenty of editing that goes into each segment. We seriously doubt that most EV buyers use the UK show as a go-to resource, but that doesn’t stop the constant ragging on alternative fuels from growing trite.

Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Top Gear crew makes pit stop, has trouble charging electric cars [w/video]

Top Gear crew makes pit stop, has trouble charging electric cars [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video]

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Quick Spin, Fiat

Not Exactly Like America’s Abarth – Ours Will Be Better

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth – Click above for high-res image gallery

Covering the automotive business is rife with surprises. Case in point: On a recent trip to the stunning Algarve region of Portugal to test Continental Tire’s new ContiEcoContact 5 (verdict: they’re very good), we had the chance to sample a bit of forbidden fruit.

In the process of learning about the German company’s doughnut-making capabilities (which included a journeyman’s seminar on velocity-excited short- and long-chain polymers, the CEC5’s three-percent fuel economy bump and improved wet-braking capabilities), one test car fitted with Continental’s new rubber was a EU-spec 2011 Fiat 500 Abarth.

Knowing that the factory-fettled 500 is headed our way in two year’s time, we snagged the keys to see if Italy’s hottest hatch was ready to bring the pain to the John Cooper Works-infused offerings from Mini. Continue reading…

Continue reading 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video]

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin adds V12 Vantage to Performance Driving Course [w/video]

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Aston Martin

2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage – Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin wants you to push its cars to the limit – at least, after you’ve signed some waivers and paid $2,500. If that’s the case, you’re probably at Aston Martin’s Performance Driving Course located at the Ford Proving Grounds in Romeo, Michigan. The fleet of cars at your disposal includes the V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and DBS, and now Aston Martin has added its new V12 Vantage to the driving school’s list of exotic motorcars you can hoon for a nominal fee.

Click past the jump to read the full press release, and to watch a film that will make you want to remove $2,500 from your savings account posthaste.

Continue reading Aston Martin adds V12 Vantage to Performance Driving Course [w/video]

Aston Martin adds V12 Vantage to Performance Driving Course [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brent Mustangburger joins the cast of CARS 2 [w/video]

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Ford

brent mustangburger from cars 2

CARS 2 Brent Mustangburger – Click above for high-res image gallery

CARS 2 was already on our must-see list (for the kids, of course) even before we talked to director John Lasseter, and after that interview, we added a star next to the already-circled June 24 release date. But since we’ve still got a ways to go before the movie hits the big screen, we’ll have to take any information we can gather.

The latest character to be revealed is Brent Mustangburger, who is obviously voiced by sportscasting legend Brent Musburger. The excitable broadcaster will trade in his trademark glasses and blazer for a 1964.5 Ford Mustang body. The golden voice will remain unchanged, though, as the super broadcaster calls the fictional World Grand Prix during the movie.

Hit the jump for a 360 degree video that show just how good Mustangburger looks in Ford blue, and scroll through our image gallery to see the full slate of CARS 2 characters.

Continue reading Brent Mustangburger joins the cast of CARS 2 [w/video]

Brent Mustangburger joins the cast of CARS 2 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blake Griffin to auction dunked-over Kia Optima on AutoTrader.com [w/video]

Filed under: Sedan, Auctions, Videos, Kia, Celebrities

blake griffin goes airborne over a 2011 kia optima

Blake Griffin goes airborne over a 2011 Kia Optima – Click above to watch video after the jump

Mixed opinions arise when discussing Blake Griffin’s over-car dunk at the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Regardless, it got people talking and the 2011 Kia Optima played a major role in the jam. Kia turned Griffin’s hop into a commercial, and now Griffin is again using that same Optima for another good move; one that will benefit cancer research organization Stand Up to Cancer.

With the help of AutoTrader.com, Blake Griffin will auction off the car that helped him win the 2011 Dunk Contest title. Signed by the recently named Rookie of the Year, this Optima has been seen by millions of people courtesy of YouTube (and you can join that group by clicking past the jump and watching the dunk for yourself).

All proceeds will go to Stand Up for Cancer, which is a charity close to Griffin’s heart. His friend, and former high school basketball teammate, Wilson Holloway recently lost a three-year battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. AutoTrader.com, which typically does not auction vehicles, has stated that it’s eager to help raise as much money as possible for such a worthy charity. The auction will run through May 15th, and can be viewed at a special Blake Griffin-specific page on AutoTrader.com.

Click past the jump to get a refresher on Griffin’s sedan-soaring slam, then be sure to read through the press release for more information. It’s also worth mentioning that donations can be made to Stand Up to Cancer here.

Continue reading Blake Griffin to auction dunked-over Kia Optima on AutoTrader.com [w/video]

Blake Griffin to auction dunked-over Kia Optima on AutoTrader.com [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen to contest WRC with Polo R in 2013 [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Volkswagen

volkswagen polo r wrc

Volkswagen Polo R WRC – Click above for high-res image gallery

Everyone wants to go rallying these days. Mini put the world on notice when it announced it was heading back into the WRC fray, and now Volkswagen wants to join that party. No longer content to watch its Touaregs blast across the vicious routes of the Dakar Rally, VW is bringing the Polo R WRC hot hatch to the World Rally Championship.

The all-wheel-drive Polo R WRC will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, which Volkswagen expects will produce around 300 horsepower. Volkswagen Motorsport has high hopes for its WRC Polo, and hopefully the team can draw on the success that VW experienced with rallying in the 1980s. In 1986, a Volkswagen GTI was the winning car in the newly formed Group A. Look for the Volkwagen Polo R WRC to try and capture some of that former glory starting with the 2013 WRC season. Hit the jump for VW’s official press release, as well as a teaser video. Hat tip to Chris!

Continue reading Volkswagen to contest WRC with Polo R in 2013 [w/video]

Volkswagen to contest WRC with Polo R in 2013 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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