Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GT-R Done: A gaggle of Nissan supercars take Buttonwillow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/nissan-gt-r-meet-up-at-buttonwillow/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/nissan-gt-r-meet-up-at-buttonwillow/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/nissan-gt-r-meet-up-at-buttonwillow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Drop the needle on that old Blue Oyster Cult record, because Godzilla has come to Buttonwillow. More to the point, a a group of Nissan GT-R owners, enthusiasts, and tuners held a track day at the popular California road course on December 29th. The fastest lap of the day was 1:57, which is darned speedy. We'll let the videos posted after the jump do the talking. We're running a petition to get Autoblog staffers GT-Rs as official company cars, though it'll be tough to show up at the next one of these things with a scale model and try to turn laps. Thanks for the tip, Darin.

Gallery: GT-Rs at Buttonwillow


[Source: NAGTROC]


Continue reading GT-R Done: A gaggle of Nissan supercars take Buttonwillow

GT-R Done: A gaggle of Nissan supercars take Buttonwillow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-rgtrnagtroc buttonwillowNagtrocButtonwillownissan gt rnissan gt-rnissan gt-r nurburgringnissan gtrnissan gtr buttonwillowNissanGt-rNissanGt-rNurburgringNissanGtrNissanGtrButtonwillowtrack dayTrackDayTue, 06 Jan 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Corners like it's on rails: Pretty Woman Lotus Esprit for sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/corners-like-its-on-rails-pretty-woman-lotus-esprit-for-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/corners-like-its-on-rails-pretty-woman-lotus-esprit-for-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/corners-like-its-on-rails-pretty-woman-lotus-esprit-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to see the Lotus in action in the Pretty Woman trailer after the jump
Besides Julia Roberts' boots and Richard Gere's state-of-the-period-art brick cellphone, one of the most memorable props from "Pretty Woman" had to be the Lotus Esprit that Gere borrows from Jason Alexander to get away from a party when his limo is buried in the parking lot. He stops to ask a hooker for directions and she hops in to show him "personal." After futzing with the British exotic's transmission, Gere turns over the reins and lets Julia drive the Esprit. While uttering phrases like "standard H-pattern" and "it corners like it's on rails," gearheads by the thousands fell for the blond-wigged prostitute with a heart of gold.

And now, you can actually relive that classic bit of movie magic for yourself. No, we're not recommending cruising for help with your "stick shift" on Hollywood Blvd. You see, the very same Lotus that they used in the movie is now listed on Hemmings for the bargain basement price of just $54,998. Well, color me happy! The car has been at the Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Illinois but is now for sale. It's a 1990 Lotus Esprit SE, but evidently it somehow got titled as an '89. It has a turbo four-cylinder that gets it from 0-60 in a scant 4.7 seconds and doesn't stop pushing until the car reaches 165 mph. It's one of just 324 Loti sold in the States in 1990 and the only one used in the movie. It currently has 23k miles on the clock and even comes with a letter of authenticity from Lotus. There's a longer description over at Hemmings and just to jog your memory, we've included a "Pretty Woman" trailer after the jump that features the Lotus in the first 40 seconds. Thanks for the tip, Corey!

[Source: Hemmings via The College Driver]

Continue reading Corners like it's on rails: Pretty Woman Lotus Esprit for sale

Corners like it's on rails: Pretty Woman Lotus Esprit for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>julia robertsJuliaRobertslotus espritLotusEspritpretty womanPrettyWomanTue, 06 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Brand new 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT on sale, just $35k!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/brand-new-1988-pontiac-fiero-gt-on-sale-just-35k/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/brand-new-1988-pontiac-fiero-gt-on-sale-just-35k/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/brand-new-1988-pontiac-fiero-gt-on-sale-just-35k/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT that time forgot

So you're a Pontiac diehard, but you don't need the space of the G8 GT GXP and the Solstice GXP is just a bit too "me too." So what's a Big Chief enthusiast to do? Well, if you've got $35,000 kicking around in your automotive slush fund, how about a brand-new, never-titled 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT? The mid-engined, V6 Fiero that General Motors should have been building the whole time, but only got around to developing just before they sent they took the plastic-bodied model out back? Yes, that GT.

Evidently thinking ahead, some enterprising chap found a fire-engine red example and promptly mothballed it. Quite likely the only "brand new" Fiero on the planet (GT or otherwise), this time warp rear-driver has just 221 miles on it, and is still on MSO. Heck, we're willing to bet that the cassette player has never even seen a copy of White Snake's Greatest Hits!

If you're interested, the optimistically-priced but irreplacable Fiero can be found at Hinton Chevrolet-Buick in Lynden, Washington. Thanks for the tip, Farris!

Gallery: Timewarp 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT


[Source: Autotrader]

Brand new 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT on sale, just $35k! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FieroGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMLyndenmid-enginemid-enginedPontiacV-6V6White SnakeWhiteSnakeMon, 05 Jan 2009 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Splinter Update: Students making progress on wooden supercar ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/splinter-update-students-making-progress-on-wooden-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/splinter-update-students-making-progress-on-wooden-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/splinter-update-students-making-progress-on-wooden-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for new high-res renderings of the Splinter Wooden Supercar

The world's greenest supercar project is progressing nicely. The last time we checked in with Joe Harmon and his team of woodsmen craftsmen from North Carolina State University, the all-wooden car's hand-laid bodywork had been mated with the chassis, which was awaiting installation of the twin-supercharged, 32-valve Cadillac-sourced V8 engine and six-speed rear-mounted transaxle from a modern Chevrolet Corvette. Those 600 ponies will be funneled to the rear wheels, which have center hubs made from pressed and laminated wood, naturally. Even the transverse leaf springs are made from orange osage wood.

Work on the project has slowed so Harmon and his colleagues can finish school, but the Splinter continues to garner attention having appeared in a flattering piece published by Automobile Magazine. While we wait for Team Splinter to graduate and finish the car once and for all, take a look at these new high-res renderings of the arts and crafts supercar.

The Splinter is one of those rare projects that's truly inspiring, and Harmon seeks to prove that wood is anything but an outdated material with no place - outside the dashes of expensive luxury cars, of course - in modern automobiles. Point taken.

Gallery: Splinter Wooden Supercar


[Sources: Joe Harmon Design, Automobile Magazine]

Splinter Update: Students making progress on wooden supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joe harmonjoe harmon designJoeHarmonJoeHarmonDesignsplinter wooden supercarSplinterWoodenSupercarwooden carwooden carswooden supercarWoodenCarWoodenCarsWoodenSupercarMon, 05 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata Motors sales plunge by nearly half]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/tata-motors-sales-plunge-by-nearly-half/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/tata-motors-sales-plunge-by-nearly-half/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/tata-motors-sales-plunge-by-nearly-half/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Even when you (intend to) make the cheapest brand-new car in the world, you can't escape an economic downturn. Global jitters and year-end hemming and hawing have conspired to slice Tata's December sales figures nearly in half compared to a year ago. December is a traditionally slow month for auto sales as buyers try to put off expenditures until the next year (when incentives are more attractive on existing stock), but even accounting for the bargain hunters, this is a major drop.

Everyone, everywhere is down, and Tata Motors stock has taken a beating thanks to the economy and costly external issues like plant troubles. That said, recent interest rate cuts have buoyed company shares in hopes that the Nano (not to mention Saint CarBuyer) will soon arrive, and if nothing else, they still have the Indica's longevity to celebrate.

Gallery: Tato Nano - Live from Geneva


[Source: Reuters]

Tata Motors sales plunge by nearly half originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>India CarIndia salesIndiaCarIndian CarIndianCarIndiaSalesIndicaNanotatatata motorstata motors salestata nanotata salestata-motorsTataMotorsTataMotorsSalesTataNanoTataSalesMon, 05 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Sacré bleu! French torch 1000+ cars on New Year's]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/sacre-bleu-french-torch-1000-cars-on-new-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/sacre-bleu-french-torch-1000-cars-on-new-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/sacre-bleu-french-torch-1000-cars-on-new-years/#commentsFiled under: ,

Throughout France on New Year's Eve, 1,147 cars met crispy deaths at the hands of arsonists. That's almost 300 cars more than the previous year.

Lighting cars on fire as a form of protest has been a habit among youth in France since the 70s, but ever since the protests of 2005, after two boys were killed in an electrical station while hiding from police, burning cars has become a go-to political statement.

But if you think 1,147 cars in one night is bad -- and as car lovers, we're not saying it isn't -- in 2007, 43,000 cars were burned, and through November of 2008, 36,700 cars were burned. That's more than 100 cars getting flambeed every single day. French president Nicolas Sarkozy has told police to show the youth no mercy, but they apparently only make up 80% of the offenders. The other 20% of arsonists is suspected to be owners committing insurance fraud on a night that provides a great alibi.

[Source: France 24]

Sacré bleu! French torch 1000+ cars on New Year's originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arsonburningetceuropefrancenew yearsnew years eveNewYearsNewYearsEvenicolas sarkozyNicolasSarkozyMon, 05 Jan 2009 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Court strikes down Michigan "fuzzy dice" ban... then reinstates it...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/court-strikes-down-michigan-fuzzy-dice-ban-then-reinstates/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/court-strikes-down-michigan-fuzzy-dice-ban-then-reinstates/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/court-strikes-down-michigan-fuzzy-dice-ban-then-reinstates/#commentsFiled under: ,

A man named Lonnie Ray Davis was pulled over by Michigan police. When they searched his car, they found an open alcohol container, crack, a wad of cash, a stun gun, and a .38 caliber handgun. He was, of course, arrested. But the reason they pulled him over has become a constitutional law issue: Davis had a Tweety Bird ornament dangling from his rear view mirror, and Michigan law forbids dangling things that "obstruct the vision of the driver of the vehicle."

Davis' argument was that the Tweety Bird didn't obstruct his vision, so the cops had no right to pull him over, and therefore the items they found should be suppressed. The 6th Court of Appeals initially struck down the Michigan law since it does not define "to what degree the driver's vision must be obstructed or for how long." Noting that a great many cars have objects dangling from their mirrors, and so may be in unwitting violation of the law, "the statute itself provides no guidance either to motorists or police as to which ones" violate the law, and so must be scrapped.

The court didn't suppress the evidence, and shortly after its ruling it rescinded its decision striking down the ban. The reason is thought to be that the court was required to let Michigan plead its case for the ban before the court struck it down. The court has not given a reason for its reversed decision. As far as the now-reinstated fuzzy dice ban, for now it remains a reason for the police to pull you over if and when they decide.

[Source: Michigan Messenger]

Court strikes down Michigan "fuzzy dice" ban... then reinstates it... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>constitutioncourtetcfuzzy diceFuzzyDicegovernmentlawslegalmichiganpoliceSun, 04 Jan 2009 17:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Busted by OnStar: Call for help results in DUI arrest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/busted-by-onstar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/busted-by-onstar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/busted-by-onstar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As GM has reminded us in numerous ad campaigns, OnStar can summon help if you get into trouble while at the wheel of a car or truck equipped with the service. One Paul W. Sinker III of Stroudsbourg, PA probably wishes he'd been driving something without the factory-installed blue button after his OnStar setup worked exactly as advertised early New Year's Day. According to the The Morning Call newspaper, the 22-year-old driver had gotten his car stuck in the mud. OnStar summoned the police (it's not made clear whether this was initiated by the driver or the system acted proactively in Omniscient Being mode), and officers arrived on-scene at around 1 A.M. From there, Mr. Sinker's kickoff to 2009 made like the Andrea Doria. The police smelled booze on his breath, a field sobriety test ended with an arrest, and the whole affair subsequently hit the AP wire. Listen, we shed zero tears for drunk drivers given the opportunity to model the latest Smith & Wesson jewelery, but this particular tale also serves as a reminder that your car's techno features can indeed come back to bite you - or in this particular case, get you pinched.

[Source: The Morning Call]

Busted by OnStar: Call for help results in DUI arrest originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrestduionstarSun, 04 Jan 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Road commission calls for gas tax hike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/road-commission-calls-for-gas-tax-hike/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/road-commission-calls-for-gas-tax-hike/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/road-commission-calls-for-gas-tax-hike/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A gas tax is about more than putting liquid into your tank and subtracting a higher amount from your bank account. A gas tax is -- just like CAFE and hybrids and $25 billion set aside to finance fuel efficient technologies -- about reworking and redefining our entire system of private transportation. And since that system is most certainly going to redefined, it is no surprise that the National Commission on Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing has recommended a jump in the federal fuel tax.

Congress created the commission to examine the federal taxes on fuel -- currently 18.4 cents for gas and 24 cents for diesel -- and the commission came back with the same results as everyone else: people are driving less, and driving more fuel efficient cars, and that has killed revenue for transportation infrastructure. One member of the commission said, "I'm not excited about a gas tax increase, but the reality is our current gas tax doesn't pay for upkeep of the system we have now. We can either let the roads go to hell or we can pay more." If the roads go to hell, though, guess what? We're going to pay more, but that money will go to service departments and auto parts stores.

The proposed solution is to make the gasoline fuel tax 24.4 cents, and the diesel tax between 36 and 39 cents. That would begin to make up for the $105 billion difference between actual revenues and the money needed to upkeep our roads and highways. It is conceivable that a higher gas tax could also encourage people to buy those high-mileage vehicles the government keeps commanding Detroit to make. But before that happens, it will probably just make a lot of people anguished and angry.

[Source: CNBC]

Road commission calls for gas tax hike originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>congressdiesel taxDieselTaxetcfederal gas taxfederal taxFederalGasTaxFederalTaxfuel taxFuelTaxgas taxGasTaxgovernmentgreenlifestylestudytaxesSat, 03 Jan 2009 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Fly like a Hawk in Alex Hodge's single seater]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/fly-like-a-hawk-in-alex-hodges-single-seater/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/fly-like-a-hawk-in-alex-hodges-single-seater/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/fly-like-a-hawk-in-alex-hodges-single-seater/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a gallery of the Hodge Hawk

We don't have anything against the T-Rex, but... you can keep it. Whenever we enter the market for a three-wheeled vehicle, we'll take this baby designed by New Zealander Alex Hodge. A fiberglass shell rides on an alloy chassis that connects the three wheels. For motive power there's the heart of a Honda RC51 sportbike, and the 10,000 rpm, 120 rear-wheel-horsepower would give the thing a theoretical top speed of 145 mph. When it's red light time, disc brakes are fitted up front and double-up in the back. Sure, you can't buy it yet, but we're not looking for a trike at the moment, either. And we can wait. So Alex, get to work, please...

[Source: Alex Hodge via Autoblog.nl]

Fly like a Hawk in Alex Hodge's single seater originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex hodgeAlexHodgeconcept carConceptCardesignerhodge hawkHodgeHawkt-rextrikeFri, 02 Jan 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Original lunar rover tire helps with next gen development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/original-lunar-rover-tire-helps-with-next-gen-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/original-lunar-rover-tire-helps-with-next-gen-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/original-lunar-rover-tire-helps-with-next-gen-development/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for image gallery of lunar rovers in action.

About the time Ford was developing the first Mustang, General Motors' Defense Research Labs was working on something more other-worldly. Man was about to go to the moon, and they needed some transportation when they got there. GM was chosen to develop the running gear along with the tires for the three lunar rovers that would travel to the moon.

Now, more than 40 years later, NASA is on a mission to return to the moon and again needs something to cruise the craters. As we've reported before, NASA is developing a new rover design, but wants to improve upon the original rover's wheels. Unfortunately, the original rovers are still on the lunar surface, and, in its infinite Cold War wisdom, NASA made sure nothing from the original design escaped the shredders.

Luckily, NASA called up one of the original rover tire designers to seek his insight. The 80-year-old engineer was more than happy to help, and even offered to bring in the original, 40-year-old lunar rover tire he had squirreled away in his closet. Made out of zinc-coated piano wire, the tire has been sitting in the retired GM employee's closet just waiting for its day to do its patriotic duty. Or end up on eBay.

So the engineer and his 40-year-old moon tire are helping NASA develop a new transportation system for future moon-exploring astronauts. Click here to listen to the NPR story. Check out the gallery for several shots of the piano-wire-mesh tires in action on the lunar surface. Thanks for the tip, Christina!

Gallery: NASA finds old moon buggy tire in engineer's closet


[Source: NPR]

Original lunar rover tire helps with next gen development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgeneral motors defense research labsGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsDefenseResearchLabslunar roverLunarRovermoon buggyMoonBuggynasaFri, 02 Jan 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile microwave takes Mhz and hot food on the go...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/mobile-microwave-takes-mhz-and-hot-food-on-the-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/mobile-microwave-takes-mhz-and-hot-food-on-the-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/mobile-microwave-takes-mhz-and-hot-food-on-the-go/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Have you ever been on the road and hungry, and thought "By golly, if I only had a microwave I could heat... anything... and eat it!" Well, neither have we. But that hasn't stopped Maplin Electronics from coming up with a portable, 12-volt microwave that you can operate through your cigarette lighter or hooked up directly to your car battery.

The 14-inch wide, 10-inch high stainless steel heater-upper can crank out 175W when plugged in to the cigarette lighter. When you don't have time for all that slow roasting and need to get your ham cooked quickly, connect the portable microwave to the battery -- terminals included -- and you'll get 660W of fast-cooking power. We can only hope this contraption is an answer to a question no one was asking. However, if you want to be king of the tailgating party, your crown will only cost you £69.98.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Mobile microwave takes Mhz and hot food on the go... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesetcfoodgadgetsmicrowavetoysFri, 02 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Nissan GT-R vs Blendtec Total Blender... something blends]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-do-gt-r-competitors-blend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-do-gt-r-competitors-blend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-do-gt-r-competitors-blend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

If you haven't seen any of the Will It Blend? videos, just know that it's what Monty Python would be doing if there were still a Monty Python. For those of you in the know, then you had to realize that it was only a matter of time before the Blendtec Total Blender - with a blade that turns at 330+ miles-per-hour - would go up against the, um, Nissan GT-R. The location of this showdown doesn't take place in the Blendtec Total Blender's blending cup, but rather on the track with the kitchen appliance riding shotgun. Back at Blendtec Total Blender HQ, host Tom Dickson throws three of the GT-R's competitors in the Total Blender... and smokes the tires. Follow the jump to check out the action, and when you're finished be sure to check out the recipe for cochicken. Yum.

[Source: Will It Blend via GTR Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan GT-R vs Blendtec Total Blender... something blends

VIDEO: Nissan GT-R vs Blendtec Total Blender... something blends originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etcgtgt-rhumornissannissan gt-rNissanGt-rsports carSportsCarsupercarvideowill it blendWillItBlendFri, 02 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Determined man builds HUMMER H1 from tired Ford F-150]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/determined-man-builds-amazing-hummer-from-tired-ford-f-150/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/determined-man-builds-amazing-hummer-from-tired-ford-f-150/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/determined-man-builds-amazing-hummer-from-tired-ford-f-150/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the homemade HUMMER H1

Life is stranger than fiction. If anyone tries to tell you differently, simply point to the Canadian man who built the truck you see above, from scratch. Francois Couture, known in his posts as "H150", showed up in the Full Size Bronco forum on September 17, 2004 with a simple query: "Since I'm a Ford nut but always wanted a HUMMER but don't have lots of money, I decided to fabricate my own [based] on Ford truck frame..."

As forum users do, there were soon people offering a multitude of answers to his questions. But what the other users discovered rather quickly was that this guy was, literally true to his word, was fabricating a HUMMER H1 from nothing but plans. Using steel from his job, he built his own sheet steel bending machine, and over the last four years has been welding together a HUMMER H1 practically out of thin air. And get this: before he started his project, Francois didn't know how to weld. He learned to weld in order to build the truck. And he's good. Like, awesome. His fabrication work is as professional as anything you'd see from folks with a lot more money than a dedicated husband and father in Quebec.

The H1 is being built on a donor frame from a 1987 Ford F150, with an engine from a donated E-350 Super Duty shuttle van, and a whole bunch of other ingenious swaps, all from Fords. If you have the time to read 45 pages, it is worth it. Our favorite name for the truck so far: H4d. After four years and a bit, he's still working on it, and he's taking donations at the behest of other forum members in order to get the truck finished this summer. The effort and the passion speaks for themselves in the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to reader Kiran!

Gallery: Homemade HUMMER H1 - The H4d


[Source: Full Size Bronco]

Determined man builds HUMMER H1 from tired Ford F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaetch1hummerhummer h1HummerH1lifestylesuvsuvsFri, 02 Jan 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Segway - So simple a chimp can ride it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-segway-so-simple-a-chimp-can-ride-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-segway-so-simple-a-chimp-can-ride-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-segway-so-simple-a-chimp-can-ride-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to jump to the video of a chimp riding a Segway

There are some things in life that one must see to believe. And more than a few of them involve animals and motorized vehicles. Like a peacock sodomizing a Lexus. Well, unfortunately we didn't catch that on video, but someone on a television show did manage to film a chimpanzee, dressed in denim overalls and a bicycle helmet riding a Segway wheelabout.

Of course this could only happen in one place: Japan. And as the footage appears to be from a Japanese game show of some sort, it even has the requisite sound effects, as you can see for yourself in the video after the jump. We'll warn you now that you will ask yourself at several intervals why you're watching this, but you'll finish the video anyway. Enjoy.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Segway - So simple a chimp can ride it

VIDEO: Segway - So simple a chimp can ride it originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jersey Motorsports Park Suing Shelby American Car Club]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/01/new-jersey-motorsports-park-suing-shelby-american-car-club/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/01/new-jersey-motorsports-park-suing-shelby-american-car-club/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/01/new-jersey-motorsports-park-suing-shelby-american-car-club/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The hits just keep on coming for the embattled Shelby American Automobile Club. News has quieted down about the contention between Caroll Shelby and the SAAC just in time for Ken Eber, the club's national director, to steer the organization right into another lawsuit. This time, it's New Jersey Motorsports Park suing to recover nearly $116,000 it's been owed since last August. Both parties are trying to work the issue out, but Eber's assertion that the club has reached a verbal agreement on the issue and will be adding an event to the 2009 calendar doesn't jive with the venue's schedule, though Joe Savaro, a co-owner of the park, has indicated a desire to have the Shelby club back.

Even though the park made a concession to allow the SAAC to pay for its use of the track after the event, Eber reportedly left the event early and wouldn't return to settle up. Eber says the club will be back at the park in 2009, and they'll be using whatever proceeds the event generates to make good on outstanding commitments. Let's see, a club that charges each of its reported 5,500 members $57 per year, that works out to $313,500, though the club uses those proceeds to run a decent website and produce a newsletter and magazine, as well as pay a couple of salaries. Perhaps pre-selling tickets might be a better idea this year?

[Source: TheDailyJournal.com]

New Jersey Motorsports Park Suing Shelby American Car Club originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ken eberKenEbersaacsaac lawsuitSaacLawsuitshelby american automobile clubshelby american automobile club lawsuitshelby clubshelby lawsuitShelbyAmericanAutomobileClubShelbyAmericanAutomobileClubLawsuitShelbyClubShelbyLawsuitThu, 01 Jan 2009 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[RaceChairs takes you from pencil-pusher to pole position]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/01/racechairs-takes-you-from-pencil-pusher-to-pole-position/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/01/racechairs-takes-you-from-pencil-pusher-to-pole-position/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/01/racechairs-takes-you-from-pencil-pusher-to-pole-position/#commentsFiled under: ,

Outfitting your dream garage is easy. But how about spec'ing out a gearhead's office or living room?

Our list keeps growing, populated by things like engine-block coffee tables, Maserati lamps and Porsche and Aston Martin sofas, and is now joined by the office thrones from RaceChairs. The Philadelphia-based firm takes the buckets from exotic supercars like Ferraris, Maseratis, Porsches and Lamborghinis and turns them into desk chairs. Of course, this kinda thing don't come cheap, and a Murcielago LP640 office seat will set you back a solid eleven grand. Not cheap, then, but they just may be perfect for sitting behind that Pininfarina-designed Luna desk, the MINI table, or that intricate clockwork desk, or RaceChairs can hook you up with a carbon fiber table instead.

Just don't expect anything to get done faster with these serving as your work space.

Gallery: RaceChairs


[Source: Auto Unleashed via Luxurylaunches]

RaceChairs takes you from pencil-pusher to pole position originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive furnitureAutomotiveFurnituredesk chairsdesk furnitureDeskChairsDeskFurnitureferrari chairFerrariChairlamborghini chairLamborghiniChairoffice furnitureOfficeFurnitureporsche chairPorscheChairrace chairsRaceChairssports car office furnitureSportsCarOfficeFurnitureThu, 01 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 10 Mid-Engined Hatchbacks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/top-10-mid-engined-hatchbacks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/top-10-mid-engined-hatchbacks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/top-10-mid-engined-hatchbacks/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to start Top 10 Best Mid-Engine Hatchbacks

There are few concoctions in the automotive industry as bonkers as the mid-engine hatchback. The concept takes the most exotic layout and wraps it in the bodywork of the most mundane and commonplace, creating a paradoxical sub-segment that makes you wonder what their designers were smoking. (Turns out it was rubber, incidentally.) And while incarnations of the mid-engined hatch are a bit of a rarity, the years have produced a considerable number of these most insane of auto types. We're celebrating the holidays with our ten favorites, and invite you to come along in our gallery by clicking on the image below.

Top 10 Mid-Engined Hatchbacks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmid-engine hatchmid-engine hatchbackmid-engined hatchMid-enginedHatchMid-engineHatchMid-engineHatchbacktop 10top 10 mid-engined hatchbackstop tentop ten mid-engine hatchTop10Top10Mid-enginedHatchbacksTopTenTopTenMid-engineHatchWed, 31 Dec 2008 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nike outlet puts the "RS" in "sneakers"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/nike-outlet-puts-the-rs-in-sneakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/nike-outlet-puts-the-rs-in-sneakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/nike-outlet-puts-the-rs-in-sneakers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on either image to view more of the GT3 RS-inspired Nike sneakers

Remember the 80's? Frankly, we'd rather not, what with all the neon colors and fifth-grader graphics. But some people just won't leave it alone. Like sneaker freaks, who need to have those Nike high-tops they had (or didn't) as a child. Or Porsche, with their obscenely bright-colored 911 GT3 RS. The two may seem at diametrically opposite ends of the spectrum, but it was only a matter of time before someone brought them together.

That someone is Purchaze, a German retro clothing company. Upon opening its newest location in Holland, a nearby Porsche dealership hooked them up with a Cayman S for promotional purposes. (We would have figured some neon-colored slant-nose would have served better, but what do we know.) As a thanks for the loan, Purchaze whipped up the series of sneakers you see above. Inspired, supposedly, by the GT3, each pair of kicks features the Porsche badge on the tongue and are colored in the shades of the GT3 palette: one pair in orange, one in green, another in black and a fourth in silver. The sneakers were presented to the team at the Porsche dealership, who are wishing they had irregularly-sized feet to use wear them in the pits at an upcoming race. If you want to get your hands on a pair of these, you may have less taste than boiled chicken you can't, because they were made exclusively for the dealership, but Adidas offers a line of Porsche Design shoes that may not, you know, be a cause of embarrassment when worn in public.


Gallery: Nike sneakers inspired by Porsche GT3 RS


[Source: High Snobiety via Jalopnik]

Nike outlet puts the "RS" in "sneakers" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nikenike gt3 rsnike porscheNikeGt3RsNikePorscheporscheporsche designporsche shoesporsche sneakersPorscheDesignPorscheShoesPorscheSneakerspurchazepurchaze nike porsche sneakersPurchazeNikePorscheSneakersWed, 31 Dec 2008 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[24 Hours of LeMons 2008: Part V - We finish in 9th place!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/24-hours-of-lemons-2008-part-v-we-finish-in-9th-place/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/24-hours-of-lemons-2008-part-v-we-finish-in-9th-place/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/24-hours-of-lemons-2008-part-v-we-finish-in-9th-place/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of Team Tinkerbell Rosso at LeMons

The "24 Hours of LeMons" is an event comprised of low-budget $500 race cars, i.e. lemons. The so-called "crap-car enduro" has enticed various members of the Autoblog team over the years into covering, and more recently participating, in the event. When asked to join Team Tinkerbell Rosso for an upcoming race, we knew it was time to take up the cause again and now find ourselves booked for the "Thunderhill Arse-Freeze-Apalooza." The event, scheduled during the last few days of December, promises dreadfully cold weather but plenty of offbeat racing fun. Our six-part weekly series takes you behind the scenes with our new race partners, the Tinkerbell Rosso racing team and their 1996 Crown Victoria "Police Interceptor."

Our earlier posts (Part I - The donor vehicle, Part II - The teardown, Part III - The build and Part IV - Panic in the final stretch) introduced you to our car and tracked the build progress as we readied for the race. Last weekend, we raced our beloved Crown Victoria to a top-10 finish! Read all of the madness after the jump.


Gallery: LeMons 2008: Team Tinkerbell Rosso


Gallery: 2008 24 Hours of Lemons at Thunderhill


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading 24 Hours of LeMons 2008: Part V - We finish in 9th place!

24 Hours of LeMons 2008: Part V - We finish in 9th place! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of lemons24HoursOfLemonsautoblog 24 hours of lemonsAutoblog24HoursOfLemonsfeaturedLeMonsThunderhillTinkerbell RossoTinkerbellRossoWed, 31 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST