Road & Track Blog

Automotive News Blog at ROADandTRACK.com - Car News Resource

First Photos: Fiat 500L – 2012 Geneva Auto Show Preview

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:36:35 +0000

These are first images of the Fiat 500L that we’ll see early next month at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show. The 500L – the L stands for ‘Large’ – is the new addition to the 500 range, which, following the Abarth and Cabrio versions, furthers the brand’s strategy, with the aim of extending its offer by [...] Related posts:

1. First Photos: 2012 Vauxhall Mokka – 2012 Geneva Auto Show
2. 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth – 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show Preview
3. Infiniti EV Sports Car – 2012 Geneva Auto Show Preview

The Unofficial Results for the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:12:29 +0000

While the teams are celebrating or packing, you can bet the engineers and drivers are already thinking about changes to make for not only the next race, but next year as well. Now that the Grand Am series has officially started up, let’s see how the teams finished. In DP, a hard fought battle resulted in [...] Related posts:

1. Kia and Mazda to Battle at Daytona on Friday – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
2. Video: Hard Lap of Daytona – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
3. Colin Braun Back at Daytona – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Jerry Seinfeld Plots to Own Acura NSX in Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:45:09 +0000

As the New England Patriots square off against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI, comedian Jerry Seinfeld will be going to some extreme measures to snag the keys to the next Acura NSX. The commercial features the gorgeous NSX concept car, shown at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, along with a notable cameo [...] Related posts:

1. Honda/Acura Super Sports Concept: The NSX Lives!
2. Jerry Seinfeld: Grand Marshal for Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV
3. Do You Remember the Acura Corvette NSX Concept?

Colin Braun Back at Daytona – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:42:45 +0000

Correction: In the blog on Cooper MacNeil I mentioned he was 19 and might be the youngest driver in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He also raced last year at 18. However, our own Joe Rusz e-mailed to say that the youngest driver ever at Daytona was in fact Colin Braun, who drove here at 16. And, [...] Related posts:

1. Kia and Mazda to Battle at Daytona on Friday – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
2. Video: Hard Lap of Daytona – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
3. Daytona’s Youngest Driver? – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Chevrolet in Both World Car Awards Top Ten Lists

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:23:46 +0000

Take a look at these two lists – they are deemed to be the most significant new cars by a panel of 66 journalists from around the world. As one of nine US based journalists I got to participate in this initial round of voting for the top ten cars in the two categories. As usual [...] Related posts:

1. Chevrolet Malibu Top Selling Car in May
2. Chevrolet is World’s Fastest Growing Brand!
3. Chevrolet Caprice Police Car Finally Hits the Streets

Victory Lane – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:20:50 +0000

For all the decades I’ve been to races, I’ve never been to a victory lane presentation. No time like the present, so I was there when the winning Ford Riley was rolled into the Gatorade Victory Lane after the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Great energy as the crew filed onto the stage and when [...] Related posts:

1. Kia and Mazda to Battle at Daytona on Friday – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
2. Video: Hard Lap of Daytona – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
3. Colin Braun Back at Daytona – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Best Ever January Sales for Mercedes-Benz and Others

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:41:53 +0000

Historically sales of new cars are at their lowest in January every year. Not surprising really after the holidays. That’s why yesterday’s reports on sales of new vehicles in January were so encouraging. True, they were still lower than December but sales were the highest for the month of January since 2008. If the improvement in [...] Related posts:

1. January New Vehicle Sales Off to Good Start for 2011
2. Sales Analysis – Mixed First Half of the Year
3. BMW Outsells Audi and Mercedes-Benz in July

Pitside Suites – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:33:05 +0000

Attrition overnight means some teams pack up and leave. This opens their stalls revealing prime viewing spots of all the pit action at the Rolex 24. More Rolex 24 at Daytona: Exclusive Race Coverage >> Exclusive Race Photos >> Exclusive Race Videos >> . Related posts:Kia and Mazda to Battle at Daytona on Friday – 2012 Rolex 24 at DaytonaVideo: Hard [...] Related posts:

1. Kia and Mazda to Battle at Daytona on Friday – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
2. Video: Hard Lap of Daytona – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
3. Colin Braun Back at Daytona – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Lotus Statement Regarding Proton Sale

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:00:59 +0000

Nearly two weeks ago on January 20th I wrote a blog about Lotus future being under threat following the sale of its parent company, Proton, to DRB-Hicom. In a highly unusual move this statement was issued earlier today: “Following the decision by Khazanah Nasional Berhad to divest its entire stake in Proton to DRB-Hicom, we are aware [...] Related posts:

1. Jim Clark-tested Lotus Cortina Goes on Sale for About $75,000
2. Quick Review: Proton EMAS Concept
3. Proton Strategy Under Review

Snowy Launch for Ferrari’s 2012 F1 Racer and SUV(!)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:37:38 +0000

The weather gods must have a sense of humor — while all eyes in the U.S. are focused on Indianapolis, where the weather is surprisingly balmy and snow-free, the rest of the world is far more interested in launches of 2012 Formula One race cars. Maranello, the home of Scuderia Ferrari, has far more snow than [...] Related posts:

1. The Tale of Ferrari 458 No. 56 – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
2. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Launch the MP4-25
3. Amelia Island to Honor Ferrari 250 GTO in 2012

Just Released: New Version of VW Super Bowl Ad

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:21:47 +0000

Volkswagen just unveiled the long 75-second version of its Super Bowl ad. The main star is a dog, but if you watch until the end, it revisits the Star Wars theme that proved popular in last year’s game day commercial. . Related posts:Super Bowl of Auto Ads –Winners or Losers?Honda Unveils 2012 Super Bowl Commercial Related posts:

1. Super Bowl of Auto Ads –Winners or Losers?
2. Honda Unveils 2012 Super Bowl Commercial

F1: Pirelli Makes Changes for 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:37:37 +0000

Was it that long ago when tire makers about burst with effort to make Formula One tires that were faster and longer lasting than the other guys? Back then it was Goodyear that couldn’t be beat, but today we have a tire monopoly in F1, with Pirelli returning in 2012 as the sole supplier of [...] Related posts:

1. Pirelli back in F1?
2. Pirelli Set for F1 Return
3. Lotus Type 125 Makes its Track Debut

MTM Tunes Audi 4.2-Liter Diesel V-8

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:21:24 +0000

Audi tuning house MTM GmbH has turned its attention to the diesel-powered 4.2-liter V-8 engine currently residing in the A8 luxury sedan, as well as the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg sport-utility vehicles. Several levels of specification are offered, depending on whether top speed or torque output is at the top of a customer’s wish [...] Related posts:

1. Audi Fine Tunes the Sound of Electric Cars
2. Barrett Jackson to Auction Diesel-Powered VW Race Car

Ford’s Other Weekend Motorsport Successes

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:58:56 +0000

Anyone who followed our blogs during the Rolex 24 at Daytona will know that the race was a resounding success for Ford Racing with Ford-Riley Daytona Prototypes taking all three podium positions. The day before the Rolex 24 over 80 cars took to the same track for the 2.5 hour-long Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race. [...] Related posts:

1. 2012 Ford Focus SFE – Ford Focuses on 40 mpg
2. Toyota Motorsport Aims for Nürburgring Record….with an EV!
3. Truly Thrilling Weekend for Racing Fans

Kia Track’ster – 2012 Chicago Auto Show Preview

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:12:43 +0000

Kia will unveil a concept based on the Soul 5-door wagon next week during the Chicago Auto Show. Called the Track’ster, the show-car is meant to preview a “performance inspired” version of the Soul, according to Kia Motors. From the sketch, the automaker’s California-based design team appears to have taken a page from the chopped-down [...] Related posts:

1. 2010 Chicago Auto Show: Kia Ray Concept
2. Advanced Coverage: 2011 Kia Sportage – 2010 Geneva Auto Show Preview
3. 2011 Geneva Auto Show – 2012 Kia Rio

APR Motorsport: Final Thoughts from Driver Ian Baas – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:48:44 +0000

Unlike the Oryx Racing Audi R8 Grand Am, APR Motorsport’s car suffered a rare power steering pump failure. During the down time, I was able to talk to driver Ian Baas and get his thoughts about the R8 race car. He had many comments on the difference between the LMS GT3 car that’s raced in [...] Related posts:

1. APR Motorsport & Oryx Racing Back in Action! – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
2. APR Motorsport Audi R8 Grand Am – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
3. Daytona’s Youngest Driver? – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Nightfall at Daytona – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:38:26 +0000

There’s a magic to nighttime at any round-the-clock race, but the Rolex 24 at Daytona has its own charm. Naturally there’s a beauty to watching race cars in the dark, thanks to the manner in which the light – the artificial track lights and the cars headlights -shines so differently on the cars. There’s also a big [...] Related posts:

1. View From the Flag Stand – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
2. Kia and Mazda to Battle at Daytona on Friday – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
3. Ready To Go – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Oryx Racing Team Principle & Driver on the Audi R8 Grand Am – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:56:15 +0000

After his last stint in the Audi R8 Grand Am, Oryx Racing team principle and driver Humid Al Masaood stopped by for a chat. About the clutch issue, he said, “The rules state it must be the clutch in the street car, but we’ll have to see about that. Audi does not have these problems [...] Related posts:

1. APR Motorsport & Oryx Racing Back in Action! – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
2. Audi R8 Grand-Am to Debut – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona
3. APR Motorsport Audi R8 Grand Am – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Honda Unveils 2012 Super Bowl Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:51:57 +0000

Last year Volkswagen scored big by releasing its now-famous mini-Darth Vader Super Bowl commercial ahead of time. Not wanting to miss out this year, it seems most other car manufacturers are following suit. Apart from VW’s teaser ad, you’ve probably already seen ones from Audi, Suzuki, Chevrolet and Hyundai as well. Today, six days ahead of [...] Related posts:

1. Just Released: New Version of VW Super Bowl Ad
2. Super Bowl of Auto Ads –Winners or Losers?
3. Sporty Green Honda CR-Z is Released in Japan With TV Commercial

Audi Enters Hybrids for Le Mans

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:37:56 +0000

Following Toyota’s decision to enter a pair of gasoline hybrids for this year’s 80th Le Mans 24 hour race (June 16-17, 2012), Audi has announced it is entering a pair of diesel hybrids to be driven by its top driver squads lead by André Lotterer and Allan McNish. These will be backed up by a [...] Related posts:

1. Audi’s Clinch Le Mans Victory
2. Audi’s Disastrous Le Mans
3. New Audi Le Mans Racer Unleashed

Casting Call: Seeking Car Experts for New Web Series

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:32:40 +0000

Car and Driver TV is holding a casting call for two upcoming web series. If you have what it takes, check the specifics below and we will see you at the audition! Show #1: Seeking groups of 3 or 4 car-repair experts. Submissions from NY/NJ/CT area only. Car experts can range from professional mechanics to self-taught [...] Related posts:

1. Indy Launches Video Series
2. Revealed! 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe
3. First Look: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series

Ford B-Max Revealed – 2012 Geneva Auto Show Preview

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:35:30 +0000

The 2012 Geneva Auto Show is about a month away but the urgency to preview new models accelerates. Long gone, it seems, are the days when you went to motor show press days not knowing what new cars were going to be debuted. Now there’s a constant stream of teaser pictures and press releases, some for [...] Related posts:

1. 2011 Geneva Auto Show Preview: Ford B-Max Concept
2. Infiniti EV Sports Car – 2012 Geneva Auto Show Preview
3. First Photos: Fiat 500L – 2012 Geneva Auto Show Preview

Hey America, Are You Ready to Rumble With Rubens?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:22:33 +0000

He hasn’t said “yes,” at least not yet. But from all appearances, Formula 1 veteran and fan favorite Rubens Barrichello will be joining IndyCar’s ranks this season. Having spent three days testing KV Racing Technology’s new Dallara DW12-Chevrolet at Sebring, the 39-year-old Brazilian was partnered team regulars E.J. Viso and fellow countryman Tony Kanaan, who [...] Related posts:

1. Hey Gamers, Get Ready for F1 2010
2. Phil Hill, America’s First Formula 1 Champion
3. Ready To Go – 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Acura/Seinfeld Super Bowl Outtakes (x5)

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:27:49 +0000

Earlier this week we gave you an advanced look at Acura’s Seinfeld/NSX Super Bowl XLVI commercial. Because one was not enough, Acura has just released five (count ‘em) extended cuts on YouTube. In other words, when you get Jerry Seinfeld to back your car in a game day commercial, you make the most of him. The [...] Related posts:

1. Jerry Seinfeld Plots to Own Acura NSX in Super Bowl XLVI Commercial
2. Just Released: New Version of VW Super Bowl Ad
3. Honda/Acura Super Sports Concept: The NSX Lives!