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Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Videos, Off-Road, Racing

Few realms of motorsport live the "Go big or go home" mantra to the fullest quite as well as the monster truck world. Aside from one of the largest voiceovers in the industry ("Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!!"), the guys who wrangle the epic horsepower, rear-wheel steering beasts of the Monster Jam circuit also boast some of the biggest egos. You know, the kind of sheer will of character that it takes to look at Bigfoot's 202-foot, record-setting jump over a jetliner and think, "Nah, I can do better." Such is the case with Joe Sylvester, the 26-year-old driver of the Bad Habits truck.

Sylvester has got it into his mind that he can embarrass the Bigfoot record, and has set about building a truck and a ramp to do just that. Only thing is, things didn't go so swell during a practice session this week. After nailing his homemade ramp, the Bad Habits truck promptly began to turn its nose back toward terra firma, and it wasn't long before the machine evaporated into a cloud of giant tires and red clay. Sylvester was unharmed in the accident and plans to officially attempt to break the record at this weekend's Cornfield 500 at Columbus, PA's Miller Farm. If you can't make it, don't worry - the folks at DirtVision plan a live webcast of this Sunday's attempt.

Either way, we wish Sylvester the best of luck. You may want to do the same after hitting the jump and watching his failed practice attempt for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Shawn!

[Sources: YouTube, Cornfield500, DirtVision]

Continue reading Video: Bad Habits' monster truck world record practice session doesn't go as planned

Video: Bad Habits' monster truck world record practice session doesn't go as planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Ford

Ford may have its own ad campaign for the Fiesta, but we're mildly amused by this one-off, three-minute-long ad created by the folks at Film Riot, an online how-to show about filmmaking. The Blue Oval currently sponsors the Film Riot crew, so it makes sense that the funky new Fiesta hatch (in Lime Squeeze, of course) would be the star of their ad spoof.

One part Swagger Wagon rap and one part Sprockets, the Euro-inspired dance track fits the Fiesta perfectly. Note to Ford: Edit this down to a 30-second television spot posthaste, or keep it in its entirety for next year's Super Bowl. Follow the jump to see Film Riot's ad for yourself.



Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta is so pimping, so sexy

Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta is so pimping, so sexy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Videos, Jeep, Design/Style, Off-Road

There have been plenty of murmurings about how Fiat's partnership with Chrysler will impact the Jeep brand. Exactly how much platform sharing will occur between the Italian automaker and the Pentastar's globe-roaming purveyor of SUVs has been a hot topic amongst the Jeep faithful for some time. Now it appears that a video posted on YouTube by user thejeepchannel has given the world its first glance at a new Fiat-based crossover set to wear the famous seven-slot grille. In the video, a Jeep intern learns a bit about the company's design process, all while hovering around a clay model of one very CUV-looking creation.

Chrysler has made no qualms about the fact that it will produce an SUV on the C-Evo platform, and has even made noise about which of the company's manufacturing facilities will build the vehicle.

Our guess is that the clay model in the video is none other than that very high-rider. Judging by the clay, the CUV will wear a host of typical Jeep design cues, including squared-off fender arches and overhangs. Follow the jump to see for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Jeep accidently shows off Fiat-based CUV

Video: Jeep accidently shows off Fiat-based CUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Porsche

When it comes to a German-American face-off, you could do a lot worse than pitting the BMW M3 against Ford's 5.0-liter V8 powered Mustang. How much worse? How about a comparison test between a base Porsche Boxster and Ford's turbocharged, torque-steering Focus RS.

Granted, the rationale for the shoot-out came down to cost. Across the pond both the Boxster and the Focus sticker for about the same amount. But that's about where the similarities end. Almost.

While the Focus channels over 300 horsepower to the front wheels, it also tips the scales 3,200 pounds. Compared to the 2,900-pound, 255-hp, rear-driven Boxster, Ford's hottest hatch comes off as rather portly, although both manage to run to 60 mph in under six seconds.

But beyond the stats and the all-too-important lap time, the real question is how best to spend your sports car money and which vehicle is the most entertaining to drive. For that, you've got to jump.

Continue reading Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster

Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Americans will be hitting the road this Labor Day, and they're also likelu to hit more traffic thanks to a record amount of road construction this year. WSJ's Joseph B. White offers some advise on how road warriors can avoid China-style traffic jams.

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Humor, Racing

We've seen some fine passes in our day, both by professional shoes like Michael Schumacher or Ayrton Senna, as well as unnamed trackday heroes. The pro stuff is great, but sometimes, nothing succeeds like a course full of bangers with nothing to lose. Case in point, this dirt track pass captured on amateur video at the Courses de Bazous St. Ferdinand Autoquad in Quebec. We're not sure it was intentional, but simply put, we've never seen a move like this one.

Due to the graininess of the video footage and the condition of the cars involved themselves,, we're not entirely sure what the overtaking car is (perhaps you can help us out with a guess in comments), but it appears that the racer being 'passed' is an old Honda Civic hatchback. Have a look for yourself after the jump. Whoop-de-do indeed! Hat tip to Duy.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Overtaking redefined

Video: Overtaking redefined originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dan Neil spent a couple of days driving the company's billion-dollar electric car gamble and comes away impressed. Let the Second Age of EV's begin.

Not Just a Pretty Smile Anymore

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Specialty

Ford is hosting a round-the-world trip in its new Fiesta, and somehow that led Motor Trend to visit Jay Leno's Garage and have a look at his '80s-era Ford Festiva Shogun. There's no way a bog-standard 63-horsepower runabout could last longer than a fruit fly in Jay's garage, so this one does its best impression of a Renault 5 Turbo down to the engine in the rear and the blistered arches and vents.

For those who don't know what a Shogun is exactly, it's the perfect marriage of a Taurus SHO's original 3.0-liter Yamaha V6 and a Ford Festiva. You take the motor and drivetrain from the Taurus SHO and place it front-to-back in the Festiva, then season to taste with wheels and body kit. Leno's Shogun is also boosted by nitrous oxide for a total of about 300 horsepower, which is pretty good for a Korean-built subcompact from 1989.

Leno cites two compelling reasons for the Shogun: "Because there are certain parts of the world where people are going to chase you," and "I live in a hilly area." Of course, Jay, of course. Follow the jump for the Shogun's story.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Video: Who's got a 300-horsepower Ford Festiva Shogun? Jay Leno, who else?

Video: Who's got a 300-horsepower Ford Festiva Shogun? Jay Leno, who else? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racecar driver and television personality Justin Bell hot laps the Aston Martin V-12 Vantage at Willow Springs Raceway

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

We don't hear too much from North Korea in the automotive realm. The tiny nation is that strange kid that talks to himself on the global playground of international affairs. While we know very little about what life is like within its borders, what we do understand isn't rosy. So what exactly do North Koreans drive? The fine folk at Car and Driver have taken the time to find out and share their research with the rest of us slackers.

The cold truth of the matter is that the vast majority of North Koreans don't drive at all. Supposedly, there are fewer than 30,000 vehicles within the country, despite the fact that its population is somewhere around 24 million. The few cars that do exist are either blatant knockoffs of Mercedes-Benz or Fiat products from two decades ago or direct imports from companies like Volvo and the Silver Arrow. On the up side, traffic looks mercifully light no matter where you go. Check out the full piece here, and be sure to check out a film for the Pyeonghwa Motors Whistle after the jump.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Continue reading C/D explores the cars of North Korea [w/video]

C/D explores the cars of North Korea [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We test the new 2011 Ford Edge to see what its got

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

Sure, Jay Leno has some pretty varied taste when it comes to cars, but the apple of his eye is likely his '66 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. He's owned the car for the better part of a quarter of a century, and it routinely comes up when he speaks about the essence of a good-driving car. It's fitting, then, that Leno was on hand for the debut of the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition. With 440 horsepower from a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8, track-oriented aerodynamics and a lively 3.73 rear axle ratio, this sucker is designed for some serious flogging.

Leno managed to corner Tom Barnes, the vehicle engineering manager for Mustang, trackside for a quick rundown of what the new Boss and the Laguna Seca edition are all about during the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage.

Now, the really interesting part of this whole video is when Leno lets it slip that the Boss will feature a unique tech-laden key. Barnes wasn't willing to elaborate on the details, saying that more information would be released at a later date. Hit the jump to see the full video for yourself.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno gets exclusive look at Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

Video: Jay Leno gets exclusive look at Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Videos

We can't help but hold our breath whenever we see video of cars being wrecked at speed. Take this incident, for example, in which Brennan Eden, age 19, slams his Pontiac Firebird into the concrete pillar of an overpass while doing over 100 miles per hour. Oh, and this was after he slid into the median and sent the car airborne and sideways. You'd never think it from watching the video, but Eden managed to survive the crash after being ejected from the car and no other motorists were injured - what a relief.

The accident took place on Interstate 675 in Beavercreek, Ohio and was amazingly captured via a dash-mounted video camera inside a local police cruiser that Eden just happened to pass at the right time. This kid should go buy a lottery ticket after thanking his lucky stars for this one. See the full crash footage for yourself after the jump. Thanks for the inbox full of tips on this one, people!

[Source: WDTN]

Continue reading Video: Police cruiser cam catches 100-mph highway jump and crash

Video: Police cruiser cam catches 100-mph highway jump and crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Audi

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

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

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



[Source: German Car Scene]

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

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

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., Ford, GM, Hyundai, Jaguar, Toyota, Electric

Chris, Sam and Dan return for Episode #192 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the reinstatement of GM's high performance division and its new focus on small cars, the Ford Edge Sport being out-dragged by its lesser SEL sibling, and the BMW Megacity electric car. It's an hour and eleven minutes, bookended by what's in our respective garages and your questions/comments. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #192 - Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity





In the Autoblog Garage:

Toyota Sienna LE
Jaguar XFR
Hyundai Azera

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 71:11

---

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

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

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #192 - Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford, Celebrities

The long awaited countdown to rally superstar Ken Block's Gymkhana 3 video has ended, and what was revealed today is a music video featuring a hip-hop group named The Cool Kids, with a little bit of Ken Block and his rally Fiesta sprinkled in.

Unlike the last two Gymkhana videos, which became instant YouTube sensations thanks to non-stop footage of Block doing amazing stunts behind the wheel of his rally Subaru Impreza WRX STI hatchback, Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is a straight up music video informercial that shows off Block's DC apparel and products more than his driving skill. When we do see the rally Fiesta in its Gymkhana debut, Block is either doing donuts or driving it directly into - and not around - things like paint cans and fluorescent bulbs.

We contacted Ken Block's crew to see what the deal is, and were told that the plan is to separate the marketing from what the kids really want, which is footage of Block doing things with a car that prove he's superhuman behind the wheel. So Part 1 of Gymkhana 3 is the one with the marketing message, while Part 2 we're told will be much more like Gymkhana 1 with just the driving footage. When we asked when we can expect Gymkhana 3: Part 2 to drop, early-to-mid September was the answer.

Check out Gymkhana 3: Part 1 for yourself after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Ken Block's Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is not like the others, Part 2 coming in September

Ken Block's Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is not like the others, Part 2 coming in September originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At the 16th annual Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit, thousands of classic car owners display models from days gone by. This year's gathering was bittersweet, as fans paid homage to Mercury and Pontiac.

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Videos, Chevrolet, Electric

Our brothers from another mother over at Translogic just released their latest episode yesterday, episode 5.4 for whoever's counting. Host Bradley Hasemeyer spent a day with General Motors at the automaker's Milford Proving Ground driving the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and came away with some heretofore unknown tidbits of information about the series hybrid.

For one, in addition to Eco, Normal and Sport modes, the Volt will have what's called Mountain Mode that allows it to climb any grade in the country. A GM engineer says they checked to be sure its Mountain Mode was adequate for any grade in the States and we have proof of at least one major mountain the Volt can climb. When Mountain Mode is selected, ideally about ten miles out from any big hills you want to climb, the Volt will kick on its on-board generator and create extra energy for the batteries. This allows the Volt's drive system to draw more power than normal from the battery packs while climbing a grade. If the battery packs are drained and the generator's already on, Mountain Mode will then increase the engine's RPM to make up the difference.

Bradley also performed an impromptu 0-60 miles per hour test in the Volt, completing the run to highway speeds in 8.53 seconds while the car was in Sport mode. Not earth shatteringly quick, but plenty spry to feel normal in everyday driving conditions. Over the course of the day, Bradley drove the Volt a total of 59.7 miles, 16.1 of which occurred with the gas-powered range-extending on. During that time, 0.59 gallons of gas were consumed, which means the Volt achieved about 100 mpg for the day and 27.3 mpg while the engine was operating.

The rest of the video is full of Volt information of which we're already aware, including how it interacts with mobile devices, charging options and the like, though we can't say we've seen anybody throw around the Volt yet like Bradley did. Follow the jump to view episode 5.4 for yourself and visit the Translogic blog here.

[Source: Translogic]

Continue reading Video: Translogic tests Chevy Volt, reveals Mountain Mode and 0-60 time

Video: Translogic tests Chevy Volt, reveals Mountain Mode and 0-60 time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Power Means a Better Match

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Racing

They don't call it the World Rally Championship for nothing. The globe's best and brightest descend on the pinnacle of the rally sport to duke it out all over the planet, and while Ken Block hasn't fared as well as predicted this season, he's at least made it to the point where he can step into the ring. Right before Block took to the ADAC Rally in a new Focus bruiser, he sat down to answer a few questions from the likes of the crew at 0-60 Magazine. At the time, Block had never ran a tarmac WRC rally and was busy practicing the wheels off of the new car.

That practice served him well. For the first time, it looked like Block was going to land points with a ninth place finish over all until the car's alternator died on day three, effectively banishing him to the back of the pack once more. There's just no beating bad luck. Hit the jump to watch the interview for yourself.

[Source: 0-60 Magazine via Cold Track Days]

Continue reading Video: Ken Block's ADAC Rally prep is no match for mechanical failure

Video: Ken Block's ADAC Rally prep is no match for mechanical failure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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America's M3, the Mustang GT 5.0, takes on the BMW M3 coupe at the drag strip, but this time it's the Bavarian in hostile territory...

We head to the race track with professional driver Randy Pobst to see if Ford's reborn Mustang GT can keep up with Bavaria's finest, the BMW M3 Coupe.

We head to the race track with professional driver Randy Pobst to see if Ford's reborn Mustang GT can keep up with Bavaria's finest, the BMW M3 Coupe.

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Fisker

Our own Sebastian Blanco played Nostradamus on this one, predicting that Fisker's retention of Lambesis as its ad agency of record would turn into sexified commercials. Nevermind the fact that a kindergartner could have figured that out, Blanco is the one who delivered - and so did Lambesis.

The last Fisker commercial was driving shots and useless malarkey. The new ad is legs and painted nails, mood lighting and water, some plugging and unplugging, a couple of donuts and an ice cube. That's how you want your plug-in hybrids, isn't it? Then go get it in the spot after the jump. Now stay tuned while Blanco tells us when the Karma will really go on sale...

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Video: Latest Fisker Karma ad has all the sexy we expected

Video: Latest Fisker Karma ad has all the sexy we expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No, We're Not Kidding

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

QuakeCon is an annual pilgrimage for gamers held near Dallas, Texas. Dubbed the Woodstock of gaming, QuakeCon's motto is "4 Days of Peace, Love and Rockets." At least one of this year's attendees won't be feeling so peaceful, though. QuakeCon sponsor Ventrilo held a raffle for the chance to win a 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 (two were up for grabs at the con). 100 tickets were awarded to attendees who won various tournaments and contests during the four-day fest.

One of said ticket holders was approached by another attendee a few minutes before the car drawing. For $200, he handed over his raffle ticket. It probably seemed like a great deal at the time. After all, it's easy money, and it's not as if he stood a chance of actually winning, right? Minutes later, the seller watched as the ticket he pawned off turned into a brand new Shelby GT500. But hey, at least he got a couple hundred bucks out of the deal - along with a story to tell and a heap of regrets. Bonus: everything is on video, including the fateful transaction. Follow the jump to see how it all unfolded. Thanks for the tip, Sean!

[Source: Vimeo]

Continue reading Video: Man sells GT500 raffle ticket, watches buyer win car moments later

Video: Man sells GT500 raffle ticket, watches buyer win car moments later originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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