Tag: [w/video]

Need For Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed goes drifting with the help of Vaughn Gittin Jr. [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Toys/Games

interior view in need for speed 2 unleashed

Getting sideways with Shift 2 Unleashed and Vaughn Gittin Jr. – Click above to watch video after the jump

Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed will be arriving in stores on March 29th, and to tie all you gamers over until then, the NFS team has put together a video highlighting the features that may make it a must-have for racing-sim fans. Whether you prefer smoothly linking corners or destroying rubber in a fit of sideways shenanigans, Shift 2 Unleashed has got you covered.

The drifting aspect of the game was locked down with the help of Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his 2011 Ford Mustang GT Formula Drift racer. The game features a unique Helmet Cam view, which places the driver’s “eyes” where they would go in real life. A road racer will look towards the apex of a turn but a drifter will stare out the side window – both of these styles are accounted for in the game, and the result looks pretty amazing.

Click past the jump for a video showing off Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed and its new features.

[Source: YouTube via Left Lane News]

Continue reading Need For Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed goes drifting with the help of Vaughn Gittin Jr. [w/video]

Need For Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed goes drifting with the help of Vaughn Gittin Jr. [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Morgan Threewheeler gets official [w/video]

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., Europe, Motorcycle, UK

Morgan Three Wheeler

Morgan Threewheeler – Click above for high-res image gallery

Morgan wants us all to know that we can take our four wheels and go play somewhere else. The automaker has officially yanked the sheets back on its ridiculously awesome Threewheeler for the first time. This machine is powered by a fuel-injected, 115-horsepower V-Twin engine mated to a Mazda five-speed gearbox, allowing Morgan to serve up hop-in-and-drive convenience while still maintaining the aesthetic of the company’s old three-wheel design. The tubular chassis remains exposed in some places and the company says that there’s just enough room for a driver, a co-pilot and bit of gear.

We’re in love.

Power is shuffled to the rear wheel via a V-belt, and Morgan says that the sole aim of the Threewheeler is to make driving fun once again. We’ve got to think that improving the company’s average CO2 emissions doesn’t hurt the vehicle’s case, either.

British buyers will be able to lay down a mere £25,000 (about $40,000 USD, based on current exchange rates) before taxes for the privilege of ownership, and bespoke options like a leather interior, custom paint and unique graphics are all available, as well. Hit the jump for the full press release as well as a video teaser of the vehicle.

Gallery: Morgan Three Wheeler

[Source: Morgan]

Continue reading Morgan Threewheeler gets official [w/video]

Morgan Threewheeler gets official [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Cars show their colors at Sebring [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Cadillac, Racing

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car at Sebring

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car at Sebring – Click above for high-res image gallery

There’s really not a whole lot more we can tell you about the pair of Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Cars that will be forming a two-pronged attack of the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT starting on March 25 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

That said, we can still all stare at all the pretty pictures that General Motors has been so kind as to release upon the masses. Check out our high-res image gallery below, where you’ll see the two cars in all their specially prepared, tire-squealing and exhaust-popping glory. Also note that this is the first time the cars have been displayed wearing the official livery of Andy Pilgrim (the No. 8 car) and teammate Johnny O’Connell (the No. 3 car) and they are lapping Sebring for a second session.

*Update: Video of the second testing session can be found after the break.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car at Sebring

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car at SebringCadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car at SebringCadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car at SebringCadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car at SebringCadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car at Sebring

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Cars show their colors at Sebring [w/video]

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Cars show their colors at Sebring [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video]

Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Volvo, Diesel

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid – Click above for high-res image

While hypermilers debate the various advantages and drawbacks of diesels versus hybrids, Volvo is here to ask, “Why not have both?” As promised, the Swedish automaker is rolling into Geneva with what it’s calling “the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid”.

Packaged into the svelte V60 wagon, the diesel hybrid packs two distinct drivetrains that can operate separately or in conjunction with one another. Up front is a 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel with 215 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque, while a 70-horsepower electric motor with a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack twists the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD).

At the touch of a button, the V60 hybrid can operate in Pure mode as an EV with a 32-mile range on electric power alone. In Hybrid mode, it emits less than 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer with a 746-mile range, and in Power mode, the powerplant acts as a boosted torque monster with a combined output at 472 lb-ft of twist for a 6.9-second sprint to 62 miles per hour. That may not seem too quick, but for a diesel wagon schlepping around that much Duracell, it’s relatively rapid.

The V60 Plug-In Hybrid is set to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but if you want to see a brief video and delve further into the specs now, feel free to check out the full press brief after the jump.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video]

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW offering M Performance exhaust for M3 range [w/video]

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, BMW

BMW M Performance Exhaust

BMW M Performance exhaust – Click above for high-res image

BMW has released a new exhaust system for the current M3 coupe, sedan and convertible. This new M Performance system is crafted from lightweight, heat-resistant Inconel, and when combined with the current M3’s high-revving 4.0-liter V8, the end result is a much more throaty, powerful sound.

The M Performance exhaust is approximately 20 pounds lighter than the standard setup, made up of perforated inner pipes and polished titanium tips with the BMW M logo. What’s more, this flow-optimized exhaust reduces overall back pressure, allowing for more aurally stimulating sound.

But the truth is, words don’t do this new exhaust system justice. Thankfully, BMW fitted the M Performance exhaust system to an M3 coupe and created a video, which you can watch after the jump. If you like what you hear, BMW even offers the M Performance exhaust note as a ringtone (seriously), available at bmwusa.com/news. Hit the jump for the details, including the price: a steep $4,374, not including installation.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW offering M Performance exhaust for M3 range [w/video]

BMW offering M Performance exhaust for M3 range [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mothra! Godzilla creators reportedly taking Honda to court over Odyssey ad [w/video]

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Etc., Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Honda

2011 honda odyssey dual screen monitorHonda has upset Godzilla with this Odyssey commercial – Click above to watch video after the jump

Honda is feeling the heat of Godzilla’s wrath at the moment. No, for once we are not talking about the Nissan GT-R, but the actual daikaijū star of nearly 30 films. The Japanese firm that owns the rights to Godzilla and produces the related films is Toho Co. and according to Automotive News, it’s not very happy about a recent commercial for the 2011 Honda Odyssey.

The ad entitled “The Van Beckons” shows a man walking out of a grocery store where he is confronted by the 2011 Honda Odyssey. Trying to show that a minivan can be manly, Judas Priest’s The Hellion plays while pyrotechnics detonate around the vehicle. The camera moves inside to show off Honda’s widescreen monitor, which is displaying an image of a heavy metal band on one side and Godzilla on the other.

That shot of Godzilla is what has Toho Co. a bit angry, because the use of its star lizard was apparently not licensed. Toho Co. has filed an injunction with the Los Angeles Federal District Court stating Honda has infringed on its copyright protected material. For its part, Honda has not issued a comment with regards to the legal aspects of the matter but AN notes that the commercial has yet to be suspended. Click past the jump to watch the spot and see for yourself why Toho Co. is breathing legal fire upon Honda.

[Sources: Automotive News – sub. req., Honda via YouTube]

Continue reading Mothra! Godzilla creators reportedly taking Honda to court over Odyssey ad [w/video]

Mothra! Godzilla creators reportedly taking Honda to court over Odyssey ad [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Lexus ships the LFA – no peanuts required [w/video]

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Lexus, Luxury

Uncrating the Lexus LFA

Lexus LFA – Click above for high-res image gallery

On January 21, Toyota played Show-n-Tell with the first Lexus LFAs to arrive in the U.S., inviting a representative from Club Lexus to witness the stylized drama of uncrating the $400,000 supercar. While we can’t be certain, perhaps it was the King-Lear-esque howls and gnashing of teeth from the non-invited (our own form of stylized drama) that convinced Toyota to do it again. So we headed to the Fujitrans warehouse in Carson, California to watch the LFA star in its own kabuki performance. Minus the make-up.

Continue reading…

Gallery: Lexus LFA Uncrating

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading How Lexus ships the LFA – no peanuts required [w/video]

How Lexus ships the LFA – no peanuts required [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Norton 961 Commando SE to land in the U.S. by April [w/video]

Filed under: Motorcycle, UK

Norton 961 Commando SE

Norton 961 Commando SE – Click above to watch video after the jump

Norton fiends can now officially rejoice – the resurrected bike maker’s wares will finally be available here in the U.S. starting in either April or May. The final date depends on whether or not the 961 Commando can swim through EPA testing, though the company is confident that there shouldn’t be any issues. A whopping total of 200 limited edition 961 Commando SE models have been built, and of the 50 allotted for U.S. sale, only a handful were still available as of yesterday. Every last one of the UK’s batch were spoken for. Buyers can opt between a wire-wheeled version for around $17,999 or a carbon-fiber wheeled iteration for $19,499.

The best part? Those are the discount models.

Norton plans to introduce a Sport model at $19,500, but prices top out at $22,000 for the company’s Café Racer. Like the Commando SE, those bikes are slated to land in our neck of the woods as early as April.

According to Motorcycle Classics, Norton is currently working to establish a dealer network in the land of the free. Former Ducati North America CEO Dan Van Epps was recently hired to helm Norton Motorcycles USA, and there’s word that Norton wants to have a presence in 50 of America’s top population centers. Here’s hoping they plan on introducing a more sanely-priced model for the rest of us plebes, too. Hit the jump to check out the 961 Commando SE introduction video.

Gallery: 2011 Norton 961 Commando

2011 Norton 961 Commando2011 Norton 961 Commando2011 Norton 961 Commando2011 Norton 961 Commando2011 Norton 961 Commando

[Source: Motorcycle Classics]

Continue reading Norton 961 Commando SE to land in the U.S. by April [w/video]

Norton 961 Commando SE to land in the U.S. by April [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turkish taxi of tomorrow design beats Nissan, Ford proposals among New Yorkers [w/video]

Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Etc., Work

Karsan V1 New York City taxi
Karsan V1 New York City Taxi – Click above for high-res image gallery

The people of New York City have spoken, and they’ve found the taxi designs from both Ford and Nissan lacking. You may remember that the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission recently set about polling residents on which of a handful of taxi designs they preferred for the future of transportation in the city. Automakers from around the world submitted their designs for a cab that was safe, offered a small environmental impact, complied with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and was physically smaller than the tried-and-true Crown Victoria. Well, the votes are officially in, and a cab from the Turkish company Karsan is the winner.

Around 66 percent of respondents either liked or loved the design of the Karsan V1, and that was enough to seal the vehicle’s fate as the people’s choice for the Taxi of Tomorrow. The V1 boasts a number of appealing unique features, including a panoramic glass roof and wheelchair ramps on both sides of the vehicle for easy access. It’s also a hybrid, which means that cabbies can expect to save fuel in the future if the commission picks the V1 as the city’s new cab, and it is easily adaptable to other fuel sources as needed, including diesel, natural gas or fully electric.

The city is likely to take the results of the survey into consideration as it makes a final decision later this year, though popularity with the public provides no guarantees that NYC cabbies will soon be talking Turkey. Check out a video detailing the finer points of the Karsan V1 New York City taxi concept after the break.

Gallery: Karsan V1 New York City Taxi concept

Karsan V1 New York City Taxi conceptKarsan V1 New York City Taxi conceptKarsan V1 New York City Taxi conceptKarsan V1 New York City Taxi conceptKarsan V1 New York City Taxi concept

[Source: NY1]

Continue reading Turkish taxi of tomorrow design beats Nissan, Ford proposals among New Yorkers [w/video]

Turkish taxi of tomorrow design beats Nissan, Ford proposals among New Yorkers [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the Italian and British cars appearing in Cars 2 [w/video]

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Francesco Bernoulli from Cars 2

Francesco Bernoulli from Cars 2 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Pixar has revealed five more new characters from its upcoming film, Cars 2. Since the seqie; takes place on a global stage, the characters are from all over the world, with the five newest members of the Cars 2 family hailing from Italy and the United Kingdom.

Francesco Bernoulli is a Formula Racer champion and his own biggest fan. Uncle Topolino – cleverly named after the miniscule Fiat he’s modeled after – runs a tire shop in the tiny town of Porto Corso, Italy. His wife, Mama Topolino, is a great cook who dishes out delizioso fuel.

Miles Axlerod is a former oil baron turned all-electric sport utility vehicle. He is joined by an Aston Martin lookalike in the form of Nigel Gearsley. Nigel is a former hill-climber who has turned to grand touring events.

In addition to this latest crop of characters, you can see the full set of Cars 2 players in our high-res gallery below, and click past the jump to see Francesco Bernoulli, Miles Axelrod and Nigel Gearsley on the Cars 2 turntable.

Gallery: Cars 2 Characters

GremAcerShu TodorokiRaoul aRouleCarla Veloso

[Source: PixarTimes.com, Car and Driver]

Continue reading Meet the Italian and British cars appearing in Cars 2 [w/video]

Meet the Italian and British cars appearing in Cars 2 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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