As if his success in motocross and rally racing weren’t enough, Travis Pastrana may be looking for still bigger mountains to climb. Mainly, Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, the tallest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft.

Autoblog reader Andrew Stowell caught up with Pastrana at the famed Mt. Washington Auto Road where the multi-medal X Games winner was reportedly scouting turns, making pace notes and filming some interviews for what should be a new YouTube sensation if he accomplishes this mission.

According to Stowell, Pastrana’s plan is to break the Mt. Washington Auto Road record of six minutes and 42 seconds set in 1998 by Frank Sprongl driving an Audi Quattro (see Sprogl’s run in full after the jump). Pastrana will supposedly be driving his X Games rally WRX STI, though when Stowell caught him he was behind the wheel of a stock WRX for practice.

Astute readers will remember my own tale of tackling the Auto Road this summer in Autoblog’s long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, which I accomplished in around 25 minutes amidst heavy tourist traffic. The eight-mile road is not for the faint of heart with over 100 turns. True, Pikes Peak is longer at 12.4 miles and turnier with 156 curves, but that famous stretch of Colorado road rises at an average incline of just 7 degrees. The Mt. Washington Auto Road reaches for the skies at a 12-degree angle, and the road is narrower too. So let’s just say it’s no drive in the park.

We’re not exactly sure when Pastrana will possibly attempt a record run, or if in fact that’s what he’s doing there. Subaru of America told us that it’s a Red Bull-sponsored stunt and they’re not involved, and Red Bull Motorsports has yet to respond to our inquiries. Nevertheless, our man on the ground claims the attempt will happen on Thursday. We’ll keep you updated when we find out how he did.

Continue reading Travis Pastrana spotted on Mt. Washington, record attempt in the works?

Travis Pastrana spotted on Mt. Washington, record attempt in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block and his crew from DC Shoes didn’t exactly stun the world with Part I of Gymkhana 3. The clip was more music video than sideways action, and after worshipping the first two hoon-laden pieces of cinematic glory, we were all expecting, well, more. Fortunately, it appears that Block has his heart set on delivering. According to Jalopnik, Part II will feature all of the tire and wheel-shredding glory we’ve come to expect from the rally world’s number-one showboat. The team began teasing the next installment with a Craigslist ad hawking a pair of very abused 18-inch Volk wheels. Whatever the next clip entails, we’re nearly guaranteed to see some sparks fly.

The next video is set to drop on September 14, and was supposedly filmed in France using the team’s beastly Ford Fiesta rally beater. Can it top the sheer magic of Gymkhana I? Miracles do happen.

[Source: Craigslist via Jalopnik]

Real Gymkhana 3 will debut 9/14, next Tuesday originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yesterday we brought you a few strange images and even weirder videos showcasing an odd BMW. Today, more images have hit the web, proving this is more than a BMW 6 Series with skinny tires and a missing tailpipe. The car may be wearing 6 Series skin from the a-pillar back, but the front is a different animal. It appears to be similar to the face found on the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept vehicle.

There are a lot of ways these “spy shots” can be perceived. The above image and the extremely quiet running sound from the clips certainly led us to believe this car is utilizing a new EfficientDynamics powertrain. This would mean the above mash-up mobile is powered by a 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder diesel as well as a pair of electric motors set on the axles.

A viral campaign complete with dark photographs of a mysterious vehicle? It must be auto show season! The Paris Motor Show is right around the corner and we hope someone BMW will be ready to spill their precision-engineered beans.

[Source: dontblogaboutthis, e90post forums]

BMW’s dontblogaboutthis.com car revealed on forum originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The first production copies of the 2011 Cruze are likely heading to a nearby Chevrolet dealer as you’re reading this, and that means that General Motors’ advertising blitz can’t be far behind. Actually, it starts after the jump. From where we sit, it appears that the Bowtie’s new C-segment sedan is ready to do war with the competition, and Chevy clearly has its eyes trained on the segment’s sales leader. The first 30-second spot with actor Tim Allen’s voiceover is aptly titled “Dear Corolla,” and it chides the Toyota mainstay for not offering as standard equipment keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.

The second spot doesn’t aim directly at any one competitor, choosing instead to play off of the Cruze’s role as the new kid in the C-sized segment. Chevy’s ad gurus chose to pull out a pair of brief quotes made by auto news outlets that liken some of the Cruze’s best attributes to that of distinctly pricier competition, and we’re betting that at least one of those publications will sound familiar.

Both spots strike us as a bit paint-by-numbers marketing for such an important launch, though it’s good to see that GM isn’t shrinking away from one of its biggest competitors. Hit the jump to view both videos and judge for yourself. The Corolla commercial comes first, followed by the “New Kid” spot.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Video: Chevrolet Cruze ads ramp up

Video: Chevrolet Cruze ads ramp up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A new website called DontBlogAboutThis.com has surfaced, currently populated with two photos and two videos. The photos show an odd looking BMW 6 Series wearing skinny tires, a matte paint job and a don’t-look-at-me-no-please-look-at-me bumper sticker. Is it the new BMW Hipster Series? The site also notes that these photos are not spy shots - which we know is true since we looked up the domain registration information. The site is owned by BMW.

The two videos, which you can watch after the jump, reveal only a little more than the photos. Whatever is under the hood of this BMW is running very quietly. In fact, it seems to be mostly road noise that we hear before the slightly creepy Heroes-esque music comes in.

What does it all mean? Honestly… we have no clue. We know that the BMW M6 has ceased production so maybe the engineers are deciding to head in a different direction. Could this be powered by hydrogen, Bangle Blood or is an electric boogaloo 6 Series is on the horizon?

Continue reading Video: BMW registers dontblogaboutthis.com, we can’t help it

Video: BMW registers dontblogaboutthis.com, we can’t help it originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’ll be honest: we have no idea what’s going on in the video after the jump. Near as we can tell, Audi wanted to work up a photo shoot for its new A1 subcompact, so the company dialed up two members of the band Tokio Hotel, packed a warehouse with 22 pieces of classic iron and went to town. Yeah, we don’t quite get it ourselves. There’s a ’50s drag-race flavor about the whole affair thanks to a tatted-up blonde bombshell playing flag girl, which only furthers our befuddlement.

At least the song isn’t half bad.

It’s true that the Audi A1 is a pretty cool piece of machinery. And, yes, we dig on pre-’60s hardware as much as the next auto-obsessed site, but the two aren’t quite the same kind of awesome. Maybe Audi is looking to flex the customizable side of the A1, or maybe the ad department was just looking for an excuse to meet a couple of members of Tokio Hotel. Who knows? Hit the jump to try to solve this mystery for yourself.

[Source: Audi via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Audi channels ’50s street racing scene for A1 photo shoot?

Video: Audi channels ’50s street racing scene for A1 photo shoot? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recently, we showed you a behind-the-scenes look at Cadillac’s newest commercial featuring the CTS-V sedan out on Germany’s hallowed-be-thy-name Nürburgring. Now, after all of the editing and post-production work has been completed, we’re left with a brand new television ad spot simply dubbed “The Competition,” showing viewers that one of the world’s fastest sport sedans will strive to be better and better. How can you improve on 0-60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds and a ‘Ring run in just 7:59.32? We’re eager to find out.

Aside from the gloriousness of watching a CTS-V do what it does best out on one of the world’s greatest road courses, we like this video because it makes mention of the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG - two vehicles that inspired Cadillac to raise the bar for its own sport sedan. Give credit where credit is due, after all. Still, we like stiff competition, and you can watch Cadillac’s latest ad spot for yourself after the jump.

[Source: Cadillac via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Cadillac CTS-V “Competition” commercial

Video: Cadillac CTS-V “Competition” commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors has officially announced that television and movie star Tim Allen will be the new “voice of Chevrolet,” starting with a series of ads that will begin airing on September 7. These ads will be for the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, and while Allen is a big-name with a very recognizable voice, GM’s vice president of marketing, Joel Ewanick, reminds us that “the car will be the star.”

Allen is best known for his starring role on the long-running 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, as well as his roles in The Santa Clause movies and as the voice behind Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story trilogy. In addition, Allen is also a well-known automobile enthusiast and has an extensive car collection. He is a native of Detroit, Michigan, and has a strong love for classic American muscle cars.

Look Listen for Tim Allen in four 30-second GM spots, scheduled to hit your television screen in the coming weeks. GM says that the Cruze’s marketing campaign will ramp up as the cars begin to arrive at dealerships in greater volume. For the full details, hit the jump to read GM’s press release.

[Source: General Motors | Image: Michael Schwartz/WireImage.com]

Continue reading Chevrolet signs Tim Allen as brand’s new voice

Chevrolet signs Tim Allen as brand’s new voice originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Any time Hollywood’s current go-to car guy, Fireball Tim Lawrence, is involved in a project, you know it’s going to be a rolling masterpiece. So when AutoTrader Classic invited us to see Fireball’s latest creation ahead of its public debut at the SEMA show in November, we jumped at the chance. Make the jump for yourself to get up close and personal with The Redster.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio / AOL

Continue reading AutoTrader Classics unveils Fireball Tim’s 1951 Chevy 3100 “Redster” ahead of SEMA

AutoTrader Classics unveils Fireball Tim’s 1951 Chevy 3100 “Redster” ahead of SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jack Pitney, BMW’s North American vice president of marketing was killed today in a tragic accident while vacationing on his farm.

Pitney, 47, had been with BMW since 1995, when he joined the German automaker to head its corporate communications operations. Influential in bringing the Mini brand to the U.S., he was its first boss in this market from 2001-2005. More recently, he was the point man for helping BMW secure a partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee (see photo above). Pitney was tipped to become VP of BMW’s eastern region on September 1.

Our condolences go out to Pitney’s family, friends and colleagues. Official press release from BMW after the jump.

Continue reading BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47

BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Once upon a time - May 9, 2008 to be precise - the Cadillac CTS-V ran the ‘Ring in 7:59.32, and just five days later we had video proof of the event. Now that over two years have passed, the feat will leave the geek-o-riffic world of ‘Ring time watchers and be shared with the rest of America in a commercial called The Competition.

What that commercial will say or how it will be used to promote this particular bit of rather old and arcane news is to be determined, but we do know what’s behind the scenes. If you want to find out, you’ll hop on after the jump and check out the three-minute vid with director Jeff Zwart. Yes, that Jeff Zwart…

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Cadillac brings us behind the scenes of CTS-V Competition commercial

Video: Cadillac brings us behind the scenes of CTS-V Competition commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We do love our car commercials. Oftentimes, marketing departments and ad agencies simply have a way of distilling everything we love about cars, trucks, SUVs and yes, even CUVs into easily-digestible snippets of video. Nissan has just rolled out a new collection of four ads under the Innovation for All banner, each focusing on the company’s commitment to new ideas, designs and products.

If you look closely, you may even spy the next-generation Nissan Quest lurking among the quick cuts in the first ad. Judging from what we’ve seen, it looks like the company’s minivan will be awfully similar to the Japanese-market Elgrand that Nissan debuted not so long ago.

In addition to the tech-centric commercial, Nissan is touting the fact that its vehicles have had brake override systems since 2004, ribbing rival Toyota and underscoring the company’s commitment to safety at the same time. As you may recall, legislators have called for brake-override protection to be mandatory on all new cars in the wake of the Toyota unintended acceleration fiasco. Hit the jump to take a look at the spots for yourself.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Video: Nissan unveils four new Innovation For All spots

Video: Nissan unveils four new Innovation For All spots originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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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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The constant churn at General Motors’ U.S. marketing organization continues with the hiring of former Hyundai marketing vice president, Chris Perry (right), to run marketing for the Chevrolet brand. Perry follows former top Hyundai marketing chief Joel Ewanick over to GM just five months after replacing him as the head of marketing at the Korean automaker. Perry is the fourth marketing executive chosen to run Chevrolet in the past 13 months.

Perry, 50, who spent 10 years at Hyundai in various positions, has left the Korean automaker effective immediately. Hyundai isn’t yet prepared to name a successor to Perry, though we expect to hear something in the next couple weeks. Ewanick sounds pretty excited to have Perry working for him again, saying in the post-jump press release that Perry has a “unique ability to integrate strategic and creative marketing activities across all communications disciplines to reconnect consumers to the Chevrolet brand.”

With Perry entering the fold at Chevy, someone had to move out, and that person is Jim Campbell. But while Campbell didn’t get much of a chance at Chevy, he may have gotten a far more exciting job as he has been named vice president of GM’s performance vehicles and motorsports unit. That doesn’t sound like a demotion - or a bad gig - in our estimation.

[Sources: General Motors, Automotive News - sub. req.]

Continue reading Report: GM poaches Hyundai marketing VP Chris Perry to head Chevy PR

Report: GM poaches Hyundai marketing VP Chris Perry to head Chevy PR originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take a close look at the entire lineup of 2009 and 2010 Dodge cars and trucks and you’ll notice one thing they all have in common: the Dodge emblem is represented as a Ram’s head. So what’s the problem? While you could spend hours debating the merits of its recent strategy, the Chrysler Mothership has chosen to separate the Dodge brand into separate car and truck entities, and the newly launched Ram Truck brand will soldier on using that same Ram Head. Which means Dodge needs a new identity.

The first step Chrysler took to create a new corporate identity for Dodge was a new logo that will be used in marketing materials, but it won’t serve as an actual emblem on the vehicles. There’s plenty of online speculation as to what Dodge will use as its next emblem, or if it will in fact choose to go… um, naked. So far, all the spy shots of 2011 Dodge models have been seen sans logo or emblem, sporting only the Dodge name spelled out with individual chrome lettering.

So, what does all of this mean? Well… we really have no idea. But we’re interested in hearing what you all have to say. Take a good look at the potential new emblem on the right and then take part in our entirely unscientific poll below.

View Poll

[Source: Allpar.com]

Will the 2011 Charger wear a new Dodge emblem? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whoever is pulling the strings over at Kia’s global marketing operations must love them some old school hip hop. Kia kicked off the urban vibe with its brilliant Soul commercial. The spot featured the marque’s celebrated CGI hamsters and the classic Black Sheep track “The Choice is Yours,” while poking fun at toasters on wheels like the Scion xB and the Nissan Cube. Good stuff, indeed.

Kia of Australia is going back even farther back with a one minute spot for the Sportage featuring the 1982 Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five hit “The Message.” But instead of rocking some overplayed rodents, the ad folks Down Under put the Grandmaster and Scorpio in the car with the suburbanite dad who lip syncs along with the forefathers of rap. We think the commercial has something to do with the guys being close to the edge. Hit the jump to watch the commercial, then scroll down for the second “making of” video. Not quite as entertaining as hip-hopping hamsters, but it’s one heck of a song to put in a commercial. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Photos by Jonny Lieberman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Kia Australia via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Kia AU delivers The Message about new Sportage with Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio

Video: Kia AU delivers The Message about new Sportage with Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Once again an automaker is turning to you, The American Car Buyer, to find out what you want. This time, it’s Volvo wondering what America’s consumer audience thinks of a special edition C30 that would combine metallic Orange Flame paint and 17-inch wheels outside with two-tone seats in T-Tec and orange cloth, Sirius Satellite, an an upgraded audio system inside. If you answered, “Yes, I like the sound of that,” Volvo wants to know if an automatic, climate control and bi-xenons would also be on your list.

The Orange Metallic paint is a current option on U.S. C30s - this is really about the interior and the special wheels, which aren’t available. There is nothing to indicate that you’ll have a chance to buy such a C30 no matter how badly you want it, but Volvo product communications guru Dan Johnston is listening to all comments left over at our friends at Swedespeed. Check ‘em out by clicking on the link below.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Volvo C30 to get special edition with a hint of citrus? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Animated news. It’s just such a novel idea that we simply can’t believe it has taken so long to become mainstream. Well, mainstream if you happen to live in Taiwan, that is. Here in the States, we’re still dealing with old-school news anchors that actually read us the stories from pieces of - get this - paper. How quaint.

Fortunately, we’re not quite so behind the times when it comes to the Internet, so it’s none too difficult to find Taiwan’s animated news gems to watch in awe till our hearts are content. This latest little animation from Next Media Animation covers the recent spat between Dodge and PETA. Surely you remember the invisible monkey commercial, right? If not, click here to refresh your memory.

Still with us? Good. Now click past the break to see it all play out in glorious Taiwanese animated goodness. Pay special attention to the facial expressions of the fictitious PETA folk. Pure brilliance.

[Source: Next Media Animation via YouTube via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Video: Taiwan animates Dodge’s invisible monkey, we stand in awe

Video: Taiwan animates Dodge’s invisible monkey, we stand in awe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini has begun an all-out advertising assault for its new Countryman CUV. The pint-sized automaker has already churned out a handful of clever print ads as well as a few video spots showing off this new high-riding addition to the Mini stable doing what it does best - namely shuffling around up to four people. As we found out in our First Drive, the Countryman can hold its own against its smaller forbearers, so critics of the thyroid-happy car can rest easy.

Anyone who has ever had to fold their shins to fit into the back seat of a Cooper can tell you that a little extra leg room isn’t going to hurt the company’s reputation. Throw in all-wheel drive, America’s unquenchable thirst for CUVs and a few snappy ads and it’s only a matter of time before the Countryman works its way into the public’s heart.

We do have to wonder how much the company would charge us for our own personal sushi chef, though. Hit the jump for the videos.

Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: YouTube via Mini]

Continue reading Video: Mini commences Countryman advertising barrage

Video: Mini commences Countryman advertising barrage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brace yourself, race fans. Things are about to get a little weird. Ford has decided to meld the seemingly unmeldable worlds of NASCAR and rally to help promote the 2011 Fiesta. Ken Block, Richard Petty and AJ Allmendinger have joined forces as an unholy trifecta of motorsports action, unified by their common love of the number 43. We don’t need to tell you that Petty famously campaigned old four-three in the heyday of NASCAR, netting 200 Sprint Cup wins and a total of seven championships in the process. Meanwhile, Block has established himself as one of America’s flashiest rally drivers, while Allmendinger has inherited Petty’s 43 throne in the current NASCAR series.

The three unlikely amigos will be campaigning for the Blue Oval’s new ‘43 Fiestas’ sweepstakes, where entrants will have the opportunity to lay their hands on a bevy of prizes. A total of 43 first-place prize winners will walk away with a 40-inch LED-LCD HD flat-screen television, while another 43 grand-prize winners will receive airfare, lodging and tickets for two to the Ford 300 Nationwide series and the Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. If that wasn’t swank enough, one of the 43 grand-prize winners will drive home in a 2011 Fiesta.

But wait, there’s more. Should Allmendinger happen to take the checkered at the end of the race, all 43 grand-prize winners will win their very own Fiesta. Head over to the 43 Fiestas site to enter for you chance to win. You can also hop the jump for the full press release.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Ford via 43Fiestas.com]

Continue reading Offspeed Pitch: Richard Petty joins Ken Block, AJ Allmendinger in marketing Ford Fiesta?

Offspeed Pitch: Richard Petty joins Ken Block, AJ Allmendinger in marketing Ford Fiesta? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you happen live in the UK, Renault is offering you a chance to win one of its diminutive new Wind convertibles. All you or a friend has to do is strip down from “winter clothes” to a single layer of clothing on video in less than 12 seconds. Not coincidentally, the dozen seconds are how long it takes to flip the Wind’s lid and go from closed coupe to open-top roadster.

Of course, it’s not as simple as just shedding some clothes… because plenty of people will beat the timeline. Renault is also looking for some creativity in what the contestants wear, where they strip or who accompanies them. In order to encourage some spontaneity, Renault is even offering up a couple display screens in London and Manchester with a timer and the car opening up.

Once entrants have finished their videos, they can upload them to www.12secondstrip.co.uk or YouTube for judging. The winners will be selected by panel of judges after the contest closes on September 30. Want to get to strippin’ yourself? Click past the break for all the details.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading French automaker Renault encourages stripping for fun, profit

French automaker Renault encourages stripping for fun, profit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For those who may not have noticed, Italy is ready to get a new automaker… back. The name’s De Tomaso, and if you’re up on your car history, you’ll recognize it as the father of classics such as the Pantera and Mangusta. But after lying dormant for decades, the company has been rescued by Italian automotive industrialist Gian Mario Rossignolo. Under his direction, De Tomaso is expected to launch a new lineup. It’s the dawn of a new era for the brand, and it has launched a new logo for its bright new future.

Replacing the old badge with the abstract T (far left) is a new icon (far right) that more clearly encompasses the D and the T in a more modern, muscular shape. It’s the work of branding guru Peter Arnell, who recently took up the position of Chief Innovation Officer for the resurgent automaker. We’re looking forward to seeing what it’ll eventually adorn, with sources tipping a sports car, a luxury sedan, a sport ‘ute, and most recently, a Mini rival. Whatever it is, expect a new De Tomaso to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: alvolante.it via autoblog.it]

De Tomaso unveils a new logo for a new future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ah yes. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. We here at Autoblog happen to be all for the ethical treatment of animals. And we’re people… allegedly. But we’re certainly not all fully in tune with the fine men and women that make up PETA. And we also happen to think that PETA sometimes goes a wee bit too far in their efforts to make man equal to beast… or is that the other way around?

In any case, PETA was apparently none too pleased by a recent commercial from Dodge touting a new promotion that included a chimpanzee named Suzie and a purposefully deadpan narrative from Michael C. Hall. In response to pressure from PETA, Dodge digitally altered its advertisement. Interestingly enough, it got way funnier in the process. Kudos, Dodge.

You’re going to want to click on past the break to see the before and after videos… trust us. You’ll also find the official letter from PETA asking Dodge to discontinue all the *ahem* monkey business. Sorry, couldn’t help ourselves.

[Source: LA Times via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Video: No (invisible) monkeys were harmed in the making of this Dodge commercial

Video: No (invisible) monkeys were harmed in the making of this Dodge commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai was one of just a few companies to come through the automotive meltdown of 2009 relatively unscathed. The Korean automaker managed to keep sales up while others faltered thanks to a quality, inexpensive product lineup backed with a stout warranty. Now it looks like those very factors are beginning impact the number of car shoppers who would consider hopping into a Hyundai. According to the Kelly Blue Book Market Intelligence Brand Watch study, the company has risen to the fifth most non-luxury brand considered by car shoppers. The move effectively kicked Nissan out of the top five for the first time in years.

Hyundai’s rise was precipitated by the fact that the company is scoring well in the non-luxury coupe/sedan/hatchback segment. In that area, the carmaker is bested only by Ford, Honda and Toyota.

Interestingly enough, Ford is the most considered car brand at the moment, thanks in part to Toyota’s newly tarnished image. The Japanese automaker fell eight percentage points in the study compared to this time last year thanks largely to its recall problems. Hit the jump for a look at the KBB press release.

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 AOL

[Source: Kelly Blue Book]

Continue reading KBB: Ford most considered car brand, Hyundai makes big jump

KBB: Ford most considered car brand, Hyundai makes big jump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Every party in Formula One is neatly compartmentalized into groups. The rule-makers have the FIA. The bean-counters have Formula One Management. The drivers have the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association. And the constructors have the Formula One Teams Association. Each party serves as an organizing body for the members it represents, and in turn lobbies to the others for what its constituency wants.

All of these groups know all too well how to spend money, but where is that money coming from? The sponsors, of course. Corporate sponsors inject some $723 million into the sport every year, and now they’re getting organized as well. Their union is being called Formula 100 (not to be confused with the medical nutrition drink of the same name), and represents a select group of the top sponsors in the sport. F100 is planning their first conference for September 1 at The Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London, where member companies will be able to learn more about the field and voice their opinion as a group.

[Source: pitpass]

F1 sponsors organize under Formula 100 banner originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We finally know what Mercedes-Benz was up to when Tiff Needel stopped by the Isle of Man to drop in on some sort of high-budget commercial shoot. It turns out that the Silver Arrow wanted to nab the title of the world’s fastest 3D film by shooting David Coulthard as he pushed the company’s new SLS AMG to 167 mph. The whole shindig was captured by an army of camera vehicles, including at least one helicopter, a boom truck and, fittingly enough, another SLS AMG. The company even talked rally fiend Robbie Head into piloting the lead car ahead of Coulthard.

The full feature will air this coming Sunday on the Sky 3D pub channel, but the rest of us can catch the action when the footage hits Mercedes-Benz dealerships all over the world later this year. Here’s hoping they’ll hand out some equally classy 3D specs just for the occasion. Hop the jump to enjoy a lengthy teaser of the feature as well as a making of video showing just what goes into creating a film with an extra dimension.

[Source: Piston Heads]

Continue reading World’s fastest 3D film showcases SLS AMG

World’s fastest 3D film showcases SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the last few years, Ford has settled into a familiar product cadence of launching a new or heavily reworked vehicle one year with older carryover powertrains and offering new powertrain choices 1-2 years later. It worked for the Escape, Mustang and then the F-150. Earlier this year, Ford added its all-new 6.2-liter V8 as an option to the F-150 SVT Raptor, and today in Sturgis, South Dakota, Ford announced that the 2011 F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition will get the same premium powerplant.

The 6.2 liter replaces the soon-to-be-euthanized 5.4-liter V8, bumping output from 320 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque to a more robust 411 hp and 434 lb-ft. The towing capability of the 6.2-liter Harley truck is also now up to a more-than-healthy 9,300 pounds.

In addition to the substantially increased grunt, the F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition gets new side graphics and an upgraded instrument cluster. The new gauge pod has a full-color 4.2-inch LCD display embedded between the speedometer and tachometer that displays a variety of information including fuel economy and readouts from the inclinometer and roll angle sensors. The 2011 F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition also gets Ford’s voice controlled navigation system with Sync as standard equipment.

No pricing was announced, but expect to pay a premium over the top-level Platinum trim just like the 2010 model. According to Ford, this will be the 17th truck on which the automaker has collaborated with the legendary motorcycle maker, making it one of the most lasting co-branded models in the market, and there’s no reason to expect there won’t be a 2012 model.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition gets new 6.2-liter V8

2011 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition gets new 6.2-liter V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Due to the whole bankruptcy/bailout saga, it’s been awhile since we’ve seen General Motors advertise during the Super Bowl. That may change next year, though. According to Automotive News, the company seeks a return to pre-bankruptcy ad-spending levels by upping this year’s budget three to five percent. That includes running a Chevrolet-focused spot during Super Bowl XLV. The news comes courtesy of GM marketing VP Joel Ewanick, who says that we can expect a rash of new advertising projects.

These include a new TV spot highlighting the Chevrolet Camaro and a new tagline for Cadillac, so get ready to hear plenty about “The New Standard of the World” in the near future. Likewise, Chevrolet will try on a new slogan after “Excellence for All” proved to be a dud. Exactly when these new marketing efforts will start popping up on our TV sets is still to be determined.

[Source: Automotive News]
Photo by Chris Shunk/ Copyright (C)2009 AOL

Report: GM heading back to Super Bowl with new ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Aprilia RSV4 is taking the fight to all of its competition on in the World Superbike Championship, leading the manufacturer standings by a healthy sum. Off the track, Aprilia continues to take digs at the BMW S1000RR, first done with the tabelcloth video.

In light of BMW’s focus on art, Aprilia’s made another video proving that it can’t paint.. but it can win. Follow the jump to watch, and we’ve included another where Aprilia proves it can’t make deliveries either, unless you’re looking for a checkered flag…

[Source: Hell for Leather, Aprilia YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Aprilia RSV4 tries to paint, fails

Video: Aprilia RSV4 tries to paint, fails originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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