Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,




Rolls-Royce, the "power solutions" company that makes jet engines and much more (not the luxury motorcar company) has signed on to support the Bloodhound SSC Land Speed Record attempt project. This isn't just a financial tie-up and exchange of engines and tech, though, Rolls-Royce is just as interested as the Bloodhound gang in promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics to children in the UK and around the world.

It will be providing its EJ200 jet engine that powers the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet with 20,000 pounds of thrust. In the Bloodhound, the engine will be the first stage in the hybrid rocket system that they hope will get the SSC to 1,609 km/h (1,000 mph). Coincidentally, although Rolls-Royce hasn't been officially involved with Bloodhound before, its engines have been used to break records in the Bloodhound predecessors Thrust 2 and Thrust SSC.

There's a press release below with more details and a video that animates how the hybrid rocket inside the blue streak works.

Gallery: BMW sets Guinness record for longest sustained drift






Continue reading Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video]

Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 19 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aerospacebloodhoundbloodhound sscland speed recordlsrrolls roycerolls-roycespeedspeed record Sun, 19 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20573540/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/20573540/article-detail.xml 20573540 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bloodhound-rolls-royce-aero_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bloodhound-rolls-royce-aero.jpg <![CDATA[Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The Bowler EXR S is a purpose-built SUV based on Land Rover bones with a 550-horsepower supercharged V8 designed to tackle off-road rallying events like the Paris-Dakar. The Caterham Seven Supersport is a feather-light track day weapon, purposely created to out-hustle just about anything on a winding race circuit. If asked to pick one of them as the fastest around a handling circuit in the UK, the smart money is clearly on the racing Caterham. Right?

Maybe, maybe not, as it turns out.

In what can only be the product of some right-place, right-time car loans, British publication Autocar has put together a wild on-track comparison between the Seven and the EXR S, with a pretty interesting outcome. We won't spoil it for you - go ahead and click it on below to watch the head-to-head for yourself.

Gallery: Caterham SP/300R






Continue reading Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle [w/video]

Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bowlerbowler exrbowler exr-scaterhamcaterham sevencaterham seven supersportland roverlotus 7lotus sevenvideo Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20574489/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/20574489/article-detail.xml 20574489 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bowler-vs-caterham-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bowler-vs-caterham-628.jpg <![CDATA[NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Dick Trickle

Well-known NASCAR racer Dick Trickle has dies of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Trickle was 71 years of age.

According to reports, police in Lincoln County, NC were informed via an anonymous phone call (very likely made by Trickle himself) prior to the suicide where to find the body. Trickle's body was found at the Forest Lawn Cemetary in Boger City, NC, next to his pickup truck.

Our thoughts go out to Trickle's friends and family. Click through to watch a video report on his passing.

Gallery: 2012 Indy 500




Continue reading NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound

NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> deathdeathsdick tricklenascarripsuicidetrickle Fri, 17 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20573793/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/20573793/article-detail.xml 20573793 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dick-trickle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dick-trickle.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Take the Race of Champions, keep its wide-ranging motorsports disciplines but replace national teams with duos called Red Outrageous, Yellow Powerful, Blue High Tech and Green Superfast. Give them rides from a toy store shelf and the cockiness of Top Gun, put them on courses from Mad Max and mix in a vibe and radio chatter from the attack on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back, and what do you have? The Hot Wheels short film World's Best Driver.

The maker of little diecast cars got some big cars together - some you've seen before, some are from other planets - as well as some wild drivers and moto-crossers, and put them to the test at a 'secret' location called the Hot Wheels Test Facility, where things get quite a bit wilder than they do at the Nürburgring.

We have no idea why this movie exists, and we don't care - it's 22 minutes of camped-out fun and you'll find it below.

Gallery: Red Bull X1 Prototype






Continue reading Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver [w/video]

Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aaron rossbryce hudsoncasey curriediecastgeoff aaronhot wheelshot wheels worlds best driverluke johnsonronnie rennervideoworlds best driver Fri, 17 May 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20573774/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/20573774/article-detail.xml 20573774 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hot-wheels-best-driver_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hot-wheels-best-driver.jpg <![CDATA[Vettel and Coulthard racing on Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Coulthard and Vettel drive Infiniti M sedans on the site of Russia's future grand prix circuit

The next Winter Olympics will happen in Sochi, Russia from February 7-23, 2014. Sometime after that, barring any delays, a portion of the Sochi Olympic Park will be turned into the Sochi Olympic Park Circuit, a 5.9 km (3.65-mile) track for the first Russian Grand Prix in 100 years (the last of two Formula One grands prix were held in St. Petersburg).

As we've come to expect from the Infiniti Red Bull team, it recently sent race driver Sebastian Vettel and brand ambassador David Coulthard to the unfinished venue to run the route in Infiniti M sedans and offer some impressions. With average cornering speeds above 100 km/h, Coulthard called it a fast street circuit in the Monaco vein. You can watch them try it out - yes, that's Vettel gone airborne above - and avoid a "White Van Man" in the awesome video below.

Gallery: Red Bull Racing demonstration in Austin

Continue reading Vettel and Coulthard racing on Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit

Vettel and Coulthard racing on Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> david coulthardf1formula 1formula oneinfinitiinfiniti mrussian grand prixsebastian vettelsochisochi olympic park circuitvideo Thu, 16 May 2013 18:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20572481/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/20572481/article-detail.xml 20572481 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vettel-coulthard-infiniti-sochi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vettel-coulthard-infiniti-sochi.jpg <![CDATA[Ariel Atom V8 races against BMW HP4 superbike and Citroën DS3 racer]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-races-against-bmw-hp4-superbike-and-citroen-ds3-ra/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-races-against-bmw-hp4-superbike-and-citroen-ds3-ra/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-races-against-bmw-hp4-superbike-and-citroen-ds3-ra/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,



Autocar took an Ariel Atom V8, BMW HP4 superbike and X-Games gold medalist Liam Doren's Citroën DS3 rallycross ride to an airstrip for a drag race. Sadly for all the drivers and for us, the clouds took to the sky and poured more and more rain on the track before the big race.

It's still a fun theoretical battle. The 550-kilogram Ariel Atom brings a 3.3-litre V8 with 475 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque and a 748-hp-per-ton ratio. The engine-restricted, 1,300-kg DS3 Rallycross rocks a 2.0-litre four-cylinder set for the day to about 560 hp, 600 lb-ft and - because of its variable boost - anywhere from 454-577 hp-per-ton. The HP4, naturally, does the most with the least, its 169 kg hauling a 1.0-litre engine with 163 hp, 83 lb-ft and a screaming 757 hp-per-ton.

It's a shame the weather didn't allow the entrants to show all they could do, especially the two-wheel-drive Atom. Nevertheless, it does demonstrate how critical the amount of available traction is to get the most from high-performance machinery, and there's lots of launch-controlled action and watch a winner crowned in the video below.

Gallery: Ariel Atom in Canada

Continue reading Ariel Atom V8 races against BMW HP4 superbike and Citroën DS3 racer

Ariel Atom V8 races against BMW HP4 superbike and Citroën DS3 racer originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ariel atomariel atom v8autocarbmw hp4citroen ds3liam dorenrallycrosssteve sutcliffevideoyoutube Thu, 16 May 2013 15:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20572498/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-races-against-bmw-hp4-superbike-and-citroen-ds3-ra/20572498/article-detail.xml 20572498 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/autocar-drag-hp4-atom-ds3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/autocar-drag-hp4-atom-ds3.jpg <![CDATA[Legendary Pikes Peak 'Climb Dance' remastered in high-definition glory]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Peugeot Climb Dance Pikes Peak film - remastered screencap

Climb Dance, the rally-porn film celebrating the Pikes Peak Hill Climb victories of Ari Vatanen in 1988 and Robby Unser in 1989 - and including footage from both drives - has been remastered in high definition. It was commissioned by Peugeot, maker of the four-wheel steering 415 T16 Grand Raid, the racecar that took both drivers to the top to overall victories.

Peugeot will be hoping that Sébastien Loeb can climb dance the same way next month when he runs up the now-paved mountain in his 208. You'll find the breathtaking remastered Climb Dance video below, as well as tribute the Motor Trend made with Marcus Gronholm in a Ford Fiesta back in 2009. Enjoy.

Gallery: 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb - Practice Day 1

Continue reading Legendary Pikes Peak 'Climb Dance' remastered in high-definition glory

Legendary Pikes Peak 'Climb Dance' remastered in high-definition glory originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ari vatanenclimb danceford fiestapeugeotpeugeot 405 t16pikes peakpikes peak international hill climbrobby unservideo Thu, 16 May 2013 12:44:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20572323/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/20572323/article-detail.xml 20572323 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/climb-dance-remastered_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/climb-dance-remastered.jpg <![CDATA[Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Honda and McLaren announce new F1 efforts by showing three race cars throughout history

McLaren Honda team formation - executives shaking handsHonda must really love Formula One racing, as evidenced by today's announcement that the Japanese automaker is returning to the world's most popular motorsport for the fifth time in its history. Honda has entered into a team partnership with McLaren to develop and manufacture power systems - the engine and energy recovery system - for the 2015 F1 season. McLaren will be in charge of chassis development and running the day-to-day operations of this newly formed team, which will be called McLaren Honda.

Honda says its decision to re-enter F1 racing had to do with new regulations for the 2014 season that require cars to be powered by a 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged V6 engine paired with an energy recovery system. Apparently the chance to develop this particular powertrain for F1 racing was too enticing for Honda to pass up, which suggests it has bigger plans for the knowledge learned while developing these systems beyond just winning races.

As mentioned, this is Honda's fifth foray into F1 racing, the first being back in 1964 when it participated as its own team through 1968. Its longest stint came from 1983-1992 as an engine supplier, during which time it partnered with many teams, including McLaren, and won six Constructor Championships. Honda then returned from 2000-2005 as an engine supplier for British American Racing (BAR) before buying that team outright and running it as Honda Racing from 2006-2008. Then the global economic crisis hit. Honda's return to the sport will surely be welcomed by fans as its partnership with McLaren should produce a formidable team. It's a strong signal that the company has returned to health after a few tumultuous years, and hopefully its rediscovered motorsports mojo will help yield more passionately engineered street cars.

Scroll down to read the official press release and watch a video news report.

Gallery: McLaren P1






Continue reading Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner [w/video]

Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1formula 1formula onehondahonda engine suppliermclarenmclaren honda Thu, 16 May 2013 10:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20572101/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/20572101/article-detail.xml 20572101 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-honda-announcement-03-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-honda-announcement-03-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Rock Star for a day: the ins and outs of Supercar Rentals]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/rock-star-for-a-day-the-ins-and-outs-of-supercar-rentals/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/rock-star-for-a-day-the-ins-and-outs-of-supercar-rentals/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/rock-star-for-a-day-the-ins-and-outs-of-supercar-rentals/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



While many of us may never have the chance, or be willing to part with the hundreds of thousands of dollars required to own our own supercar, the experience of driving a supercar for the first time is incredibly memorable, and there is no surprise that it is something that is on the bucket list of millions of car enthusiasts around the globe. Fortunately, more and more boutique rental companies have been springing up to provide that first (and possibly repeat) experience.

The process for supercar rental isn't as complex as one may think, however it's a bit more of a process than booking your average budget rental car. Pricing can range from roughly $800 to $2,500 per day, so you're best to map out as much of your driving as you can. There are now supercar rental companies in many major cities, but the last thing you want to do is waste valuable hours on bad city traffic so we strongly recommend picking a destination for your drive.

Lou La Vie out of Miami will drop your rental to your requested destination, while other companies like Exotics Racing in Las Vegas have direct access to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and offer rental packages as brief as $249 for 5 laps in a Mercedes-Benz SLS. If you're wanting to go further afield, there are a few companies that will offer up rentals to challenge the dreaded Nurburgring if you are able to get there before it closes. If you desire a warmer climate, Ascari Race Resort offers driving experience days on their private track in Malaga, Spain with full instruction.

Whether you go local or abroad, one thing is certain you will never forget or regret your first experience in a supercar. The only advice we can offer is to be prepared to have any concept of speed you previously had to be shattered.

Click past the jump for a quick look at the supercar rental experience from Lou La Vie in Miami. A video on the Nurburgring follows.

Gallery: Vancouver Luxury Supercar Weekend 2012


Continue reading Rock Star for a day: the ins and outs of Supercar Rentals

Rock Star for a day: the ins and outs of Supercar Rentals originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AscariAscari Race Resortexotic car rentalexotic car rentalsExotics Racinglou la vieNurburgringnurburgring rental carssupercar rental Wed, 15 May 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20562991/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/rock-star-for-a-day-the-ins-and-outs-of-supercar-rentals/20562991/article-detail.xml 20562991 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/llv-2-of-13-1368546730_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/llv-2-of-13-1368546730.jpg <![CDATA[Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops']]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



This year's Formula One season might qualify as being just as crazy as last year's, only it's a different kind of crazy. Instead of a new winner every Sunday, how the winner actually manages to take the victory is the mystery, and just when we thought the season might have settled into a groove regarding team performance, here comes the Spanish Grand Prix to remind us that we don't know anything until the race has been run.

There were many similarities to past weekends to being this one: Mercedes-AMG Petronas showed awesome one-lap pace, Fernando Alonso did well enough in qualifying to get fifth on the grid but talked up the race pace of the Ferrari, Kimi Räikkönen was the equivalent of a racing photobomber, never saying much but always showing up in the picture, Felipe Massa wasn't really big on the tires and McLaren might want to consider starting a blues band they spend so much time singing them.

Then the lights went green and things went nuts...

Continue reading Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops'

Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops' originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 14 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 spanish grand prixf1felipe massafernando alonsoFerrariformula 1formula oneinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusmercedes-amgnico rosbergspanish grand prix Tue, 14 May 2013 17:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20568607/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/20568607/article-detail.xml 20568607 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b.jpg <![CDATA[650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-does-0-60-in-3-9-seconds/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-does-0-60-in-3-9-seconds/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-does-0-60-in-3-9-seconds/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Hennessey Performance Engineering has created an HPE650 package for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 fitted with the 6.4-litre Hemi engine. When it leaves the showroom floor it has 470 horsepower and gets from 0-60 miles per hour (0-96 km/h) in 4.8 seconds. When it leaves Hennessey's garage floor after the upgrade it has 650 horsepower - 530 hp at the wheels, according to Hennessey - and gets to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.9 seconds on its way to running the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds.

There's more than just a roots-type supercharger bolt-on, with ported cylinder heads and high-flow headers among the many changes made to the engine. You can watch it prove its spec sheet on the drag strip in the video below.

Gallery: 2013 Jeep SRT8





Continue reading 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds [w/video]

650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 14 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 0-60drag racingdrag stripdragstriphennesseyhennessey grand cherokee srt8hpe650jeepjeep grand cherokeejeep grand cherokee srt8john hennesseyquarter milevideoyoutube Tue, 14 May 2013 09:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20567875/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-does-0-60-in-3-9-seconds/20567875/article-detail.xml 20567875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee.jpg <![CDATA[Global Rallycross announces Lites class for up and coming stars [w/videos]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/#comments Filed under: , , ,



After two years running just one class of car, the Supercars, Global Rallycross (GRC) is adding a SuperCar Lites class that will run spec cars. Intended to be a development formula for the "next generation of star drivers," the Lites will race at all five US races this year on the same course as the Supercars, and with a format similar to the top class: a 60-minute free practice, 30-minute qualifying, heats, with Last Chance Qualifier and Finals run just before the main Supercar events. Standings will be divided into overall and a Lites Rookie Cup for first-time racers who haven't yet completed a full season.

They'll be driving a Ford Fiesta ST prepped by Olsbergs MSE, a Swedish builder that supplies four of the 20 GRC teams including two-time champion Tanner Foust. They have 310 horsepower compared to 600 hp in the Supercars, all-wheel drive and a six-speed sequential transmission. Ordered directly from Olsbergs, they'll run you US$165,000 if you're one of the first ten teams to purchase one, after that they'll be US$185,000.

The overall Lites-class winner gets a Supercar drive with Olsbergs MSE in the year-ending Rallycross Battle of the Champs, the top three finishers get Supercar tests like the Young Driver Test in Formula One held at the end of the season. There's a press release below with more info as well as two videos of Geoff Sykes and Tanner Whitten testing the Lites car earlier this year.

Gallery: MINI John Cooper Works WRC






Continue reading Global Rallycross announces Lites class for up and coming stars [w/videos]

Global Rallycross announces Lites class for up and coming stars [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 12 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> driftingglobal rallycrossglobal rallycross litesgrcmotorsportsracingrallyrally racingsupercar litesvideowrcyoutube Sun, 12 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20563567/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/20563567/article-detail.xml 20563567 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/grc-lites-class_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/grc-lites-class.jpg <![CDATA[Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



In the 'Just Because It's Awesome' category we have the Seat Leon Cup Racer, a kerb-stomping trinket the Spanish brand took to the GTI Wörthersee gathering. A transformation worthy of Marvel turns the recognizable five-door hatch underneath into a test-bed for a 325-horsepower sprint or endurance racer, depending on which version a customer prefers, and Seat "can envision" a 1.6-litre motor so it can contest World Touring Car championships.

The machine's track has been stretched by 40 centimeters, 18-inch wheels hung on the axle hubs underneath popped-out arches. The single-seat inside is wrapped in a moisture-regulating leather. Torque maxes out at 258 pound-feet, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed double-clutch gearbox and electronically controlled diff in the sprint version, a six-speed sequential transmission and mechanical diff going on the endurance variant.

It is expected to be available for customer teams in time for the 2014 season. The sprint race spec will cost 70,000 euro ($92,200 CAD) plus tax, the endurance spec runs 95,000 euro ($125,200 CAD), and the press release below has more info.

Click through to watch a video showing Seat's entry into the Chinese market.

Gallery: 2012 SEAT Concepts






Continue reading Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine

Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 12 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> motorsportsseatseat leonseat leon cup racertrack cartrack dayworthersee Sun, 12 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20563442/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/20563442/article-detail.xml 20563442 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/seat-leon-cup-special_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/seat-leon-cup-special.jpg <![CDATA[Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,



The producers of Iron Man 3 undoubtedly have the No. 24 Audi RS5 DTM car driven by Adrien Tambay at last week's Hockenheim round to thank for the movie's record-breaking global opening. Not only was Tambay's car wrapped to be a high-speed billboard for the movie, the entire team dressed in Iron man-themed race suits made by partner Alpinestars and wore themed helmets from Uvex. What other reason could there be?

To make sure that all of Earth's residents at least get to hear about the movie, Tambay's team will be donning the livery again at the Brands Hatch round on May 19. There's a miniature press release below, along with a video of the crew hamming it up - as you would do when you get the chance to drive one of the few Audis that might be cooler than Tony Stark's!

Gallery: Best Hollywood Car Chases

Continue reading Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video]

Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 10 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> adrien tambayaudi rs5audi rs5 dtmbrands hatchdtmhockenheimiron maniron man 3 Fri, 10 May 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20565360/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/20565360/article-detail.xml 20565360 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-dtm-iron-man_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-dtm-iron-man.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer with Sebastien Loeb

The annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the few events in motorsport with an Unlimited Class that is truly... well, unlimited. To put the word 'unlimited' in perspective, consider the Red Bull-sponsored Peugeot 208 T16: its 3.2-litre bi-turbo V6 engine puts out 875 maximum horsepower, sending power to all four wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. That's powerful enough to catapult the T16 from 0-100 km/h in a scant 1.8 seconds. Keep it planted and it'll hit 200 km/h in 4.8 seconds and 240 km/h in 7.0 flat. That, ladies and gentlemen, is freakishly fast.

Just ask Sébastien Loeb, a man who's no stranger to high-performance machinery, having won nine World Rally championships, who said of the T16 after his first testing session: "I've never driven anything that accelerates so fast! ... It's got the downforce of a Formula 1 car, the wide tires of an endurance racing prototype and a differential like a WRC car."

And that right there is the automotive definition of 'Unlimited.' Oh, did we mention that the T16 is one of the meanest looking four-wheeled vehicles we've ever laid eyes on? See for yourself in the high-res image galleries, press release and video below.

Gallery: 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb - Practice Day 1

Continue reading Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer

Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> peugeotpeugeot 208 t16pikes peakred bullsebastien loebunlimited classvideo Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20564589/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/20564589/article-detail.xml 20564589 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/peugeot-208-t16-loeb_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/peugeot-208-t16-loeb.jpeg <![CDATA[Intense supercar collection with exotics and racecars is largest in USA]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/intense-supercar-collection-with-exotics-and-racecars-is-largest/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/intense-supercar-collection-with-exotics-and-racecars-is-largest/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/intense-supercar-collection-with-exotics-and-racecars-is-largest/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Ever wish the dream garage of epic cars you've collected in GranTurismo or Forza video games could come to life? Well, this undisclosed money banking millionaire seems to have made that happen by building quite possibly the most incredible car collection we've ever had the pleasure of drooling over!

While there could be some larger ones out there in size, the impeccable combination of supercars, exotics, race cars and rare rides shown in this video will simply blow your mind and make you insanely jealous at the same time.

Although the exact location of the private car collection remains unknown, having dozens of every desirable Ferrari, Porsche, Bentley and Aston Martin under the sun parked in your driveway is bound to get noticed. Sources say the vehicles are housed in the Northeastern United States within a property that's described as a museum-like setting complete with a Ferrari F1 car driven by racing legend Michael Schumacher.

The number of outrageous vehicles in this priceless collection are simply too long to list, but some of our personal favourites include a Ferrari FXX Evo, Bugatti Veyron, Saleen S7, Aston Martin DB AR1 Zagato Coupe and Roadster, handfuls of AMG Mercedes-Benz cars and packs of retired race cars.

You've waited long enough, it's time to click here and see this impressive collection of cars for yourself in the video below.

Gallery: Toronto Auto Show 2013 - Auto Exotica

Continue reading Intense supercar collection with exotics and racecars is largest in USA

Intense supercar collection with exotics and racecars is largest in USA originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 10 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AMGaston martinbugatti veyroncar collectioncar collectorclassic car collectionexoticferrari collectionferrari fxx evoluzionehuge car collectionporsche collectionpricelessrace carrace car collectionrare carsupercarsupercar collectionsupercars Fri, 10 May 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20564318/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/intense-supercar-collection-with-exotics-and-racecars-is-largest/20564318/article-detail.xml 20564318 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/garage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/garage.jpg <![CDATA[This is why the X Games should come to Detroit]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/#comments Filed under: , ,



Recently, ESPN announced the finalists for cities eligible to host the 2014 Summer X Games, with Detroit, MI - this writer's hometown and current place of residence - making the list. And despite the naysayers that give my city a really bad rap (quite literally, actually, since I'm sure many of you have heard about how it's "So Cold" here), there's good reason for Detroit to host the annual competition. Want proof? Check out the full five-and-a-half-minute-long video posted below.

ESPN had originally stated that "Detroit has been the most vociferous in its desire to host the games," and the video here provides some damn good high-res proof. Check out the rally-spec Ford Fiesta as it spins around the Cobo Hall roof parking deck and races along Woodward Avenue through the Campus Martius area. Or watch as folks on motorcycles and pedal-bikes jump and race through the gritty, gorgeous ruin porn of the historic Packard Plant, even backing-up traffic on the M-10 freeway for stunts and lining up in parade-like fashion along Cass Avenue.

I'm sure the other finalist cities - Chicago, IL; Austin, TX; and Charlotte, NC - all have plenty of credibility. But I dare you to watch the video below and not get at least a little excited about the possibility of the Motor City hosting the 2014 Summer X Games.

Gallery: X Games 17 RallyCross

Continue reading This is why the X Games should come to Detroit

This is why the X Games should come to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> detroitvideox gamesx games detroit Wed, 08 May 2013 19:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20562695/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/20562695/article-detail.xml 20562695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xgames_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xgames.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Over the last decade or so, competition in NASCAR has led to some pretty funky looking racecars. And when the sport was still up and coming, the tight competition actually led to some interesting production cars. The Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird are perhaps the most well-known cars of the sport's "aero wars" era but the Ford Torino King Cobra might have been the most memorable of all, if not for some different homologation rules established in 1970. The Torino King Cobra never made it to production and never competed in NASCAR, but three examples exist including this one now for sale on eBay.

Designed as a successor for the aero-tuned Torino Talladega, the Torino King Cobra has a sleeker front end with hidden headlights and a sloped nose. As the story goes, NASCAR made a rule change in 1970 requiring 3,000 of the vehicles to be produced, which was substantially more than the 500 units required by the previous rule. One of the three prototypes ever built - and the only one built with the Boss 429 engine - is now for sale on eBay with a starting bid of US$500,000. With a little more than three days left on the auction there are still no bids, but in the grand scheme of things this seems like a relatively fair price for a rare piece of automobile and racing history.

Click here for additional photos.

Gallery: Auction Cars: Barrett-Jackson 2013

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype

eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1970 ford torino king cobrafordford torinoford torino king cobraking cobranascar Wed, 08 May 2013 15:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20562381/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/20562381/article-detail.xml 20562381 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-torino-king-cobra_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-torino-king-cobra.png <![CDATA[Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Red Bull Crown Range drifting by Mad Mike

For the first time ever, the Crown Range, New Zealand's highest paved road, was closed off for the drifting pleasure of one man. That man is Mad Mike Whiddett, and the machine he's piloting is a heavily modified Mazda RX-7 sponsored by the energy-rich crew from Red Bull and powered by a 750-horsepower quad-rotor engine. There will be smoke. Lots and lots of smoke!

Mad Mike hits speeds in excess of 225 km/h (140 mph) over the course of the road's 10 kilometre length, which boasts 47 individual corners at over 3,500 feet of elevation. Scroll down for all kinds of fire-belching, tire-squealing and smoke-inducing action in the video below. Or, as Mad Mike himself puts it, "A dream turned into reality."

Gallery: Mazda RX-7 Throughout History

Continue reading Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range

Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crown rangedriftingmad bikemazdamazda rx-7mazda rx-7 drift carnew zealandred bullrotary drift carvideo Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20562015/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/20562015/article-detail.xml 20562015 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/red-bull-crown-range-mad-mike_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/red-bull-crown-range-mad-mike.png <![CDATA[Viper GTS-R will have first full season chronicled in new web series]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



SRT will be documenting its second season - and first full season - of Viper GTS-R racing in the American Le Mans Series with a new web series called Beyond the Checkered Flag. We don't know much yet, but the team has released a teaser video (below) and promises the series will run at least four episodes, if not more. The videos will feature all six drivers who are responsible for piloting the No. 93 and 91 Viper GTS-R cars that compete in each race, and each episode will be told from a different perspective of the action (drivers, the pits, the fans, etc.).

As we've mentioned before, the return of the Viper to motorsports is a big deal, and we're excited that SRT Motorsports has decided to document it. The car's first go around in racing began in the late '90s and peaked during the fledgling seasons of the then-new American Le Mans Series when the Viper GTS-R won 16 of 18 races during 1999 and 2000. The new Viper GTS-R hasn't been nearly as dominant as the original since returning to ALMS racing last August, the team having only just achieved its first podium finish a few weeks ago in Long Beach with one of its cars finishing third.

The first episode of Beyond the Checkered Flag, which should air in mid-May, will focus on preparations for the 2013 season, specifically the time leading up to the season-opening 12 Hours of Sebring in March. Spoiler alert: the team didn't win its class, though the No. 91 car did lead for much of the race and finished fifth, scoring valuable championship points to kick off the team's first competitive season back.

Scroll down to watch the trailer for Beyond the Checkered Flag.

Gallery: SRT Viper GTS-R

Continue reading Viper GTS-R will have first full season chronicled in new web series

Viper GTS-R will have first full season chronicled in new web series originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> almsbeyond the checkered flagsrtsrt motorsportssrt vipersrt viper gts-rviper Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20560855/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/20560855/article-detail.xml 20560855 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/viper-beyond-the-checkered-flag_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/viper-beyond-the-checkered-flag.jpg -1 2