Audi R8 vs Airplane

If you enjoyed seeing the new V10 powered Audi R8 in Maranello, Audi TV has another interesting clip for you. This time they have pitted their R8 super car against and airplane. For the Audi this isn’t just an acceleration test, if the driver doesn’t get on the brakes early enough he and the car might just end up in the drink. Filmed aboard the USS Midway in the San Diego bay, Audi has outdone themselves once again.

World's Fastest Jet Pack vs. Ford Focus RS

We're all for alternative forms of transportation here at Autoblog, and we're not just talking about hydrogen fuel cells and lithium ion batteries, either. We're talking jet packs! Eric Scott is a 46-year-old Go Fast! Jet Pack pilot from Denver who became the first jet-propelled man to cross the 1,053ft-wide Royal Gorge Canyon in his home state of Colorado last year. This past week he also became the fastest jet-propelled man alive when he was clocked going 68 mph at Knockhill Racing Circuit in Scotland. What better way to follow up a record-setting jet pack run than to drag race a Ford Focus RS? The impromptu race occurred at the circuit with BTCC champ Gordon Shedden behind the wheel of the lime green Focus RS. Who do you think won? We'll tell you now because it's not altogether obvious in the video after the jump. The jet-propelled man narrowly beat out the Focus, but considering Scott's rig can only carry 30 seconds worth of fuel, we think the Ford could take him with a little more road.

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 runs the 'Ring in 7:40, reps still claim Nissan GT-R is slower

The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 is unquestionably bad-ass. Its naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six provides 435 hp from behind the driver's seat, and its track-tuned chassis can dance with the world's most nimble supercars. The free-wheeling product of Stuttgart has been undergoing testing at the famed Nurburgring in Germany (along with every other sports coupe worth its salt) and it's been timed at an unofficial 7:40. Porsche driving ace Walter Rohrl was behind the wheel for the sprightly lap.

While 7:40 isn't enough time to best the 7:26 from the 638 hp Corvette ZR1, it's a very impressive time nonetheless (BTW - During testing Rohrl posted a 7:45 in a borrowed Ferrari F430 Scuderia). Nissan probably isn't impressed, though, since it recently clocked the GT-R at 7:27. Well, Porsche is still calling balderdash on that claim, telling Motor Trend that the twin-turbo Nissan is only good for a time of 7:56 in stock US form. Just under eight minutes is an amazing time, but almost 30 seconds slower than reports from Nissan.

The Nissan vs. Porsche 'Ring smack-down feels as though its about to peter out, but the grudge match is almost to the point that the GT-R vs. GT3 drama should play out on premium cable. Who can we call to set this up?


[Source: Motor Trend]

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG v/s BMW X6-M v/s BMW X5-M v/s Porsche Cayenne Turbo S v/s Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Audi Q7 V12 TDI





Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R: n.a.
Driveline: All Wheel Drive
Engine
Type: Turbodiesel V12
Displacement cu in (cc): 362 (5934)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 500(373) / n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 738(1000) / 1750
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Exterior
Length × Width × Height in: n.a.
Weight lb (kg): n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: 5.5
Top Speed mph (km/h): 155 (250) - electronically limited
Fuel Economy EPA combined mpg (l/100 km): 20 (11.9)
Base Price: $173,497 (this is price in Germany converted to USD, since Q7 V12 TDI is not available for the North American Market)

BMW X6-M





Brakes (Front) 15.6 inch rotors
Brakes (Rear) 15.2 inch rotors
Tires Front 275/40-20 Bridgestone
Tires Rear 315/35-20 Bridgestone
Wheels 20 inch light-alloy M Sport wheels
Rear Suspension Integral four-link rear axle
Front Suspension Double-wishbone front control arms
Drivetrain
Layout Front Engine, AWD
Transmission 6 Speed M Sport Paddle-Shifted Automanual
Differential Electronic front and rear LSD
Engine
Type: Direct injection BMW M Sport V8
Induction Twin Garett turbochargers, 21.0 PSI
Displacement 4.4 liters
Torque 500 lb-ft. @ 1500 to 5650 rpm
Horsepower 555 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Compression Ratio 9.30:1
Exterior
Body Type 2 Door, 4 Seat SUV
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph 4.5 seconds
Base Price: $95,000

BMW X5-M





Brakes (Front) 15.6 inch rotors
Brakes (Rear) 15.2 inch rotors
Wheels 20 inch light-alloy M Sport wheels
Tires Front 275/40-20 Bridgestone
Tires Rear 315/35-20 Bridgestone
Front Suspension Double-wishbone front control arms
Rear Suspension Integral four-link rear axle
Drivetrain
Layout Front Engine, AWD
Transmission 6 Speed M Sport Paddle-Shifted Automanual
Differential Electronic front and rear LSD
Engine
Type: Direct injection BMW M Sport V8
Compression Ratio 9.30:1
Displacement 4.4 liters
Induction Twin Garett turbochargers, 21.0 PSI
Horsepower 555 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 500 lb-ft. @ 1500 to 5650 rpm
Exterior
Body Type 2 Door, 5 Seat SUV
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s: 4.5 seconds
Base Price: $90,000

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S






Brakes 6 piston aluminum calipers front, 4 piston aluminum calipers rear
Wheels 21 in front/ 21 in rear
Tires 295/35 R 21
Drivetrain
Layout Front Engine, AWD
Transmission 6 speed Tiptronic S
Steering Power-assisted (hydraulic)
Engine
Displacement 4.8 liter Twin-Turbo V8
Horsepower 550 @ 6000 rpm
Torque 553 @ 2250 rpm
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Performance
0-60 mph 4.7 sec
Top Speed 174 mph
Curb Weight 5,192 lbs.
Base Price: $124,800

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG





Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R: 295/45 R19, option: 295/40 R20
Driveline: All Wheel Drive
Engine
Type: V8
Displacement cu in (cc): 383 (6208)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 503(375) / 6800
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 465(630) / 5200
Redline at RPM: 7200
Exterior
Length × Width × Height in: 189.8 × 76.8 × 73.3
Weight lb (kg): 5093 (2312)
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: < 5.0
Top Speed mph (km/h): 155 (250) (electronically limited)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): 12/16 (n.a.)
Base Price: $85,500

Dodge Challenger SRT-8 vs planes and trains

The guys over at Garage 419 are shamelessly ripping off Top Gear, but they not only admit it, they also added a third element. While Top Gear challenges usually pit a car against one form of mass transportation, these guys are putting a Dodge Challenger SRT8 up against a plane and a train.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro rated at 29 mpg highway

Now that the 2010 Chevy Camaro is finally ready to hit dealerships, details like the car's official EPA estimated fuel mileage and its estimated run to 60 mph are beginning to hit the interwebs. Good news: Both are impressive. According to The General, the 304-horsepower direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 engine that's standard in the LT and LS models will achieve 29 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 mpg in the city with the six-speed automatic, or 17 mpg with the six-speed stick. V8 models also perform more efficiently than expected, with figures of 16 city and 25 highway (24 with the automatic transmission).

Those numbers are better than what the Camaro's muscle car competition can muster across the board. Its eco-victory likely won't last long, however, as the new 2010 Ford Mustang offers carryover engines from the last model year that we expect will be replaced for the 2011 model year with more efficient powertrains, maybe even a twin-turbo, direct-inject EcoBoost V6.

Muscle Cars Compared: Fuel Economy
	2010 Chevy Camaro	2010 Ford Mustang*	2010 Dodge Challenger
V6**	18 city/29 hwy	16 city/24 hwy	17 city/25 hwy
V8**	16 city/25 hwy	17 city/23 hwy	13 city/19 hwy
Trans - M	six-speed	five-speed	six-speed
Trans - A	six-speed	five-speed	four- and five-speed

*MPG numbers for 2010 Ford Mustang are manufacturer estimates
**Most powerful version of engine type offered with automatic transmission

As a performance car, we're obviously interested in more than just fuel mileage, and the 2010 Camaro SS doesn't disappoint with a (so far unverified) 0-60 mph run of just 4.7 seconds.

[Source: General Motors]

Hyundai Genesis Coupe V6 beats out Infiniti G37 in first comparison test

While we're working on our own shoot-out between the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and a yet-to-be-named contender, the crew at Inside Line put Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive two-door against one of its strongest opponents: the Infiniti G37.

IL's 3.8-liter V6 Genesis Coupe tester came equipped with the Track pack, which includes a stiffer suspension, limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes and 19-inch wheels, along with the standard six-speed manual. The sticker? $30,375, or $6,625 less than a base model Infiniti G37. For the extra scratch, the Infiniti is a more luxurious package and carries a bit of badge snobbery, but performance and driver engagement are the metrics we're interested in and the Hyundai proved to be a serious contender.

The G is packing more power from less displacement (330 vs. 306 hp), a bit more torque (270 vs. 266 lb-ft) and revs higher (7,600 vs. 6,800 rpm). But it's also packing the pounds. The Infiniti tips the scales at 3,709 pounds, while the Genesis Coupe comes in just under 3,500 pounds.

IL performed its usual battery of tests, along with a dyno run, and deemed the G37 a better vehicle on the road from both a driving and livability standpoint, but gave props to the Genesis for its competence on the track and predictable handling characteristics. Both cars were remarkably close in the performance department, with the Hyundai taking the win on the skid-pad, while falling short on the sprint to 60, quarter-mile time and slalom run.

VIDEO: Dodge EV vs. Dodge Challenger

A few days ago we showed you some pics of the Dodge EV concept at a local car show in Southern California. It appears that the Dodge-branded, battery-powered Lotus Europa made a few other stops in the area as well, one of which was at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Alongside the EV, the Dodge boys were displaying, among other things, a Challenger SRT-8. Well, one thing led to another and before long a battle between '60s retro muscle and modern electric power was underway. Lucky for us, someone was there with a video camera to capture the fraternal pissing match. This impromptu drag race doesn't give us any clear indication of times, but you can definitely see the EV's advantage of light weight and instant-on torque from a stop. The concept electric vehicle jumps ahead at the start, but the Challenger hangs on. Just when the big HEMI seems to be getting a full head of steam, however, they run out of space. We've embedded the video for you after jump. Check it out and let us know how you think this battle would play out on a real 1/4 mile drag strip.


[Source: ALLPAR]

VIDEO: Dodge EV vs. Dodge Challenger

A few days ago we showed you some pics of the Dodge EV concept at a local car show in Southern California. It appears that the Dodge-branded, battery-powered Lotus Europa made a few other stops in the area as well, one of which was at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Alongside the EV, the Dodge boys were displaying, among other things, a Challenger SRT-8. Well, one thing led to another and before long a battle between '60s retro muscle and modern electric power was underway. Lucky for us, someone was there with a video camera to capture the fraternal pissing match. This impromptu drag race doesn't give us any clear indication of times, but you can definitely see the EV's advantage of light weight and instant-on torque from a stop. The concept electric vehicle jumps ahead at the start, but the Challenger hangs on. Just when the big HEMI seems to be getting a full head of steam, however, they run out of space. We've embedded the video for you after jump. Check it out and let us know how you think this battle would play out on a real 1/4 mile drag strip.


[Source: ALLPAR]

VIDEO: Enzo, MC12, Carrera GT and Zonda at the 'Ring

If you liked Motor Trend's drag race between the Corvette ZR-1, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Porsche 911 GT2 and Nissan GT-R, you're going to love this. Because while MT's roster included some mouthwatering supercars, this video has got the top level of discontinued exotic machinery – Ferrari Enzo, Maserati MC12 and Porsche Carrera GT – all lining up to take their shots at the Pagani Zonda F Clubsport, a track-bound supercar so exclusive we might as well call it discontinued too. Each one of these supercars is worth as much as all of the aforementioned Motor Trend machinery combined. And where did this multi-million-dollar road show head to stretch their legs? The Nurburgring, of course. (You didn't think they were going to autocross them around some pylons in a parking lot, did you?) Follow the jump to check out the video, which may be in German but if you know how to say Blitzschnell you'll have no trouble understanding the international language of speed.

[Source: AutoBild.tv via eurocarblog]

Drag race between ZR1, 599, GT-R and GT2

If we came up with a list of our top "Best Day EVER" scenarios, we're pretty sure a straight-line race between the Corvette ZR1, Ferrari 599 GTB, Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911 GT2 would be close to the top of our list. The scribes at Motor Trend were able to live that dream, but they threw us a bone by recording the supercar showdown for the world to see. Follow the jump to see the 638-hp ZR1 take on some of the best street metal from Italy, Germany, and Japan. We watched the video four times, if only to note the stark difference between the launches and finishes of four distinctly different supercars. And just for fun, write down your projected 1-4 finish and let us know how you fared in the post-jump comment section.

Viper ACR and Corvette ZR1 battle on the 'Ring

A couple months back, the bone-stock Corvette ZR1 put supercars everywhere on notice when it took on the famed Nurburgring and ran a Nissan GT-R-beating 7:26. The track-ready, fire breathing Viper ACR bested the Corvette's amazing effort by posting an incredible 7:22 lap time. Despite a four second difference in total track time, blogger Andi Baritchi slapped both track videos together (after 30 seconds of annoying scrolling text) to verify that the Viper ACR came out on top. Hit the jump to view the two fastest American-made, street legal, 600+ hp beasts as they tangle in a 'Ring battle for the ages. The video proves what we already knew, but it's still fun to see how two very different, yet very similar vehicles, handle the twists and turns of the Nurburgring.

Hyundai vs. Lincoln vs. Lexus vs. Infiniti vs. Cadillac

1. 2009 Hyundai Genesis
Base Price: $32,250

Base Engine: 3.7 Liter V6
Horsepower: 290 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 264 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm
0-60: 6.8 Seconds
Standard Transmission: 6 Speed Shiftable Automatic
Gas Mileage: 18/27
Driven Wheels: RWD
Weight: 3748 lbs.
Fuel Type: regular unleaded





2. 2009 Lincoln MKS
Base Price: $37,665

Base Engine: 3.7 Liter V6
Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 276 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm
0-60: 7.5 Seconds
Standard Transmission: 6 Speed Shiftable Automatic
Gas Mileage: 17/24
Driven Wheels: FWD
Weight: 4127 lbs.
Fuel Type: premium unleaded (recommended)





3. 2008 Lexus GS350
Base Price: $44,550

Base Engine: 3.5 Liter V6
Horsepower: 303 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 274 ft-lbs. @ 3600 rpm
0-60: 5.8 Seconds
Standard Transmission: 6 Speed Shiftable Automatic
Gas Mileage: 19/27
Driven Wheels: RWD
Weight: 3795 lbs.
Fuel Type: premium unleaded (required)






4. 2008 Infiniti M35
Base Price: $43,900

Base Engine: 3.5 Liter V6
Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 268 ft-lbs. @ 4800 rpm
0-60: 7.0 Seconds
Standard Transmission: 5 Speed Shiftable Automatic
Gas Mileage: 16/23
Driven Wheels: RWD
Weight: 3876 lbs.
Fuel Type: premium unleaded (required)





5. 2008 Cadillac STS
Base Price: $43,775

Base Engine: 3.6 Liter V6
Horsepower: 302 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 272 ft-lbs. @ 5200 rpm
0-60: 6.5 Seconds
Standard Transmission: 6 Speed Shiftable Automatic
Gas Mileage: 17/26
Driven Wheels: RWD
Weight: 3973 lbs.
Fuel Type: regular unleaded

Audi insider claims V10 R8 will beat ZR1 around the 'Ring

Them's fightin' words, but when we're talking about a V10-powered version of the Audi R8, you'd better be taking them seriously. According to an Audi insider as reported by Auto Motor und Sport in Sweden, the more powerful R8 will set a new lap record for a production car at the Nurburgring. That would mean coming in under the 7:26 lap time claimed by the Corvette ZR1 (and taken by the Pagani Zonda F), and faster than the Nissan GT-R's 7:29, but the big question remains whether it could out-gun the GT-R V-Spec's purported 7:25.

The R8 V10 – with whatever name it will adopt – is expected to make its production-guise debut at the Paris Motor Show this coming October. That'll make for some delicious eye-candy, but the real treat will be to see how the German supercar holds up against the Americans and the Japanese on the 'Ring.