Few people know Ford experimented with turbine engines designed as possible replacement for diesel power in their large commercial trucks back in the early 1970s. More » See the original post here: A behind the scenes look at Ford’s experimental turbine trucks [Video] See more here: A behind the scenes look at Ford’s experimental turbine trucks [Video]

  The supervisory board of the Tognum, the engine manufacturer is now in the hands of Rolls Royce and Daimler. The two company hold the 98.8% of shares of the company, therefore they now have the power to control the motor manufacturer, with the main person in charge, Andreas Renschler, the head of commercial vehicle division of Daimler. Meanwhile other members of the board are John Paterson, Michael Haidinger and Andrew Heath from Rolls Royce and Stefan Buchner, from Daimler.   See the original post here:  Daimler and Rolls Royce Now Hold the Rights of Tognum

There has been some grammar corrections on the Internet brought about by a Mercedes-Benz commercial. At 24 seconds, the man would say that the vehicles has “less doors”. The netizens are actually thinking about whether this is intentional or not, but thinking how this is being talked about, I guess it is intentional, see everyone’s been saying their opinions, which is of course, making the commercial’s promotion work. Read the original: “Less Doors” Commercial, is it Intentional?

If you’ve always wanted to pilot a battleship but aren’t willing to work your way up through the ranks, here is the solution. Currently listed on Ebay, this twenty foot long jet driven replica of the battleship New Jersey is a unique alternative to the real thing. More » Original post: Unique jet driven mini battleship replica on Ebay [Boatlopnik] Originally posted here: Unique jet driven mini battleship replica on Ebay [Boatlopnik]

It’s called Auto-USSR and while it looks like a field full of rotting old Russian cars, according to EnglishRussia , where we came across these pictures, it’s actually an outdoor car museum. More » See the original post here: Amazing pictures of an outdoor Russian car museum [Car Porn] Read more from the original source: Amazing pictures of an outdoor Russian car museum [Car Porn]

Filed under: Formula One Six times in all this season, Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton have somehow managed to get in each other’s way out on track and up until now, it was mostly Hamilton who got the blame. In India, though, Massa has finally had to come to terms with receiving a penalty from stewards that he cannot accept in any shape or form. Massa protested: “As I see it, I was in front, braked later than him but was in front. Also, I was on the grippier part of the track and began to turn in. I didn’t see him to my left, because he was behind me. He touched my back wheel, so I don’t honestly know why I’ve been given a penalty. It’s beyond belief.” In his opinion, there’s no feud between himself and Hamilton, at least, not as far as he’s concerned: “Perhaps he thinks there is one, because in every incident, he’s gone into me. I did nothing wrong,” he said again firmly; he had behaved quite normally when he saw Hamilton taking the inside line. Since the British driver was on the dirty side of the track, Massa could brake later on the clean side and turn in, while Hamilton was behind him. Massa added with some feeling: “I don’t understand why I should give way in this instance and let him pass. I braked later.” Hamilton said calmly, whilst refusing to accept any blame: “This was a racing incident, it happens. I don’t feel that it was my fault. I tried to ease off the gas, but he left me with nowhere to go.” He’d had problems with his car after the accident, adding: “I had to contend with vibrations on right-handers, almost as if the floorpan was sliding along the track.”   Read the original: Massa says he’s not to blame for Hamilton collision Read more: Massa says he’s not to blame for Hamilton collision

Filed under: Formula One After his triumph in the inaugural Indian GP, Sebastian Vettel spoke to Autoblog UK about this first-time achievement. Sebastian, that was an outstanding victory here in India. They are already celebrating you here like some sort of folk hero … Sebastian Vettel: Yes, it’s obviously something very special to claim the first victory on a new track. It makes me proud to be the first winner here. The trophy is a really beautiful one as well. All in all, the race went well – it got off to a good start and ended with a victory. This track is extraordinary – the country too. And I believe you’ve learnt a few words of Hindu? Sebastian Vettel: Well, not much. It is simply good manners to at least learn how to say “Thank you” in the local language. I wouldn’t say I’ve learned a lot, but I can manage a few phrases. What are your plans for the next race? Will you be satisfied with nothing less than another victory? Sebastian Vettel: I think we first have to see how competitive we are in Abu Dhabi. For the moment, though, we can be very happy and proud about today. It was really a very special feeling to win on a new circuit for the first time – especially with the great atmosphere here and all the enthusiasm for Formula One racing. For the moment, we’ll just savour today’s success, then we’ll turn our minds to Abu Dhabi. What you had to say about Marco and Dan struck a chord with your listeners… Sebastian Vettel: Well as I said, there are mixed feelings today. On the one hand, I am very happy and we as a team can be very proud. On the other hand, we have to be very respectful at a time like this, and our thoughts are with Mark and Dan and their families. The most important thing is that we never forget our two colleagues.   Originally posted here: Exclusive interview with Sebastian Vettel : Something very special Original post:  Exclusive interview with Sebastian Vettel : Something very special

Filed under: Formula One Mercedes’ works team will “definitely” be on the formula one grid in the coming three seasons, the marque’s motor sport president Norbert Haug confirmed in India. But Ross Brawn was not willing to make the same guarantee about his job as team principal. “I want to be here for the next three years,” the Briton told Germany’s Bild am Sonntag newspaper in a joint interview with Haug. “If you don’t perform, then you’re out. I am the boss. If the project is not running right, then it will be over,” predicted Brawn. The same might be true for Michael Schumacher, whose current contract runs out at the end of next season. By 2013, when he will be 44, will Schumacher be clearly too old to perform? “I see no reason why,” insisted Brawn. “Everyone can see that Michael has stepped up this season and is still growing. “If he can fight for podiums and wins next year, then why should he stop? At the same time if we are not successful next year, then his decision to stop will be easier.” Brawn said the decision is ultimately Schumacher’s. “It is very easy to talk to Michael about a new contract,” he said. “If he wants to continue, we will find a solution quickly. I don’t know what the outcome will be. And neither does he. “Let’s see how good we are in 2012,” added Brawn. Said Haug: “At the very least, I don’t think Michael has the intention to go to another team.” It is arguably a more complicated situation with the other seat, as Nico Rosberg has clearly outperformed Schumacher in 2011 and 2011, attracting the attention of rival teams. “The market is open,” admitted Haug. “And there are many drivers who are knocking on our door. But Nico wants to move forward and we want to do it with him. “In general you can go to the wrong team at the wrong team, which is a mistake every driver should try to avoid.” Brawn agreed: “Nico believes in the people here at Mercedes, and we believe in him. It’s just a matter of time.” Haug said having the right driver is crucial for an F1 team, with the latest example being Red Bull. “They have a fantastic car...

Filed under: Formula One If Kimi Raikkonen does return to formula one, it won’t be because he admires the sport’s headline-writers. Speculation is growing by the day that the 2007 world champion could return from his world rally and NASCAR experiment with the Williams team in 2012. As for the specialist media, however, the notoriously reticent 32-year-old prefers rally. “I have the feeling that the rally press is more interested in the discipline, and what is happening on the stages, rather than the F1 journalists who write c*** to make headlines,” Raikkonen is quoted by autohebdo.fr. Where previously there was scepticism, however, there is a growing feeling in the formula one paddock that the Raikkonen rumours are real. “I believe it could happen,” Felipe Massa, who paired with the Finn at Ferrari between 2007 and 2009, told Turun Sanomat newspaper in India. Others are not sceptical that Raikkonen might return, but concerned that he will struggle even more than Michael Schumacher has during his own comeback. “Michael has had quite a difficult time. You have to remember that when he left Michael had a much more competitive car than when he came back. “Perhaps it would be the same for Kimi,” said Massa. “But anyway, Kimi is still young so in that sense the two-year absence is not very significant. “When you are young, if you want to do something and you train hard enough, it is not impossible to have the same performance as you did before,” added Massa.   More here: Massa thinks Raikkonen return ‘could happen’ See original here: Massa thinks Raikkonen return ‘could happen’

Filed under: Formula One Martin Whitmarsh on Sunday confirmed reports McLaren is still opposed to the idea of ‘customer cars’ in formula one. The possible redefinition of a ‘constructor’ will be debated next week at the F1 Commission in Geneva. It is believed Bernie Ecclestone is now supportive of Ferrari’s renewed push to be allowed to sell an entire chassis to a small team. The F1 chief executive’s support could be a move to further split the unity of the teams’ association, with McLaren and Red Bull reportedly opposed to the third car idea. McLaren’s Whitmarsh is also the head of the team alliance FOTA, whose unity is already being tested by alleged breaches of the cost-limiting resource restriction agreement. It is alleged the proponents of customer cars will argue that big teams are already selling their intellectual property through technology deals such as McLaren’s with Virgin. In India, however, Whitmarsh confirmed his opposition. “We have a duty to support the sport and the teams,” he is quoted by the Press Trust of India. “It (customer cars) will probably destroy the smaller teams. “Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and maybe Mercedes can possibly do it, but if we manage the sport badly, the number of teams may drop to eight,” he said. “There should be sustained business for all teams.”   Originally posted here: Whitmarsh opposed to new customer car push Read the original here: Whitmarsh opposed to new customer car push

Filed under: Formula One Sebastian Vettel led from start to finish in the first Indian Grand Prix to win in imperious style and notch up his eleventh victory of the season. The Red Bull driver never yielded the race lead, even during pit stops. And in the closing stage of the race, he capped it all by posting a couple of fastest laps, eventually crossing the line 8.4 seconds ahead of Jenson Button, the only other man on the track who came close to matching the world champion. Every time that Button looked as if he might be launching an attack, Vettel responded in withering fashion. Alonso beats Webber It was a much tighter scrap in the contest for the remaining podium spot between Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber, with the Spanish driver ultimately having the upper hand. Webber had held on to third place for most of the race but was passed by Alonso on the last round of pit stops. The Ferrari man seemed to have fewer problems with the hard tyres than his Australian opponent. Despite a fight-back by Webber towards the end, Alonso held on. Much to the delight of Mercedes, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg took the chequered flag in the wake of the four front-runners. Schumacher had another strong start and then used skilful tactics to move up the field. This eventually led to a duel with team-mate Rosberg, in which the veteran prevailed but the younger driver also took comfort from achieving his target of a Top 6 finish. The Mercedes duo benefited from yet another contretemps between Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa. Massa penalised The two were vying for fifth on lap 24 when Hamilton tried to overtake on the inside. Massa shut the door on him, even though the McLaren man was already alongside. So the inevitable happened and there was a collision. Massa was spun round while Hamilton sustained damage to his front wing. Over the team radio, Hamilton claimed that the Brazilian had turned into him. The stewards agreed and hit Massa with a drive-through penalty. Shortly after, the Ferrari driver complained of gearbox problems, and on lap 34 he performed a repeat of his accident in qualifying, only this time he bounced over the kerb with his left front wheel and destroyed a track rod. The Brazilian walked back to the pits in furious mood, while Hamilton continued his...

MINI Roadster – The World Premiere MINI is pushing ahead with the rigorous expansion of its model family. The latest addition to the range is the MINI Roadster, the sixth model in the brand’s current line-up and the first open-top two-seater in its history. Cutting-edge, typically MINI interpretation of the compact, two-seater sports car concept with manually-opening soft-top roof; first premium car of its kind in the small car segment; unique package appealing to demanding target groups with a penchant for elegant sportiness, spontaneous open-top driving fun and irresistible design; inspiring handling fuelled by powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology; unrivalled scope for individualisation. • Faithful reproduction of the MINI design language within the proportions of a roadster; clear focus on two-seat design and open-air driving experience; sporting charisma, with short overhangs, powerful over-the-wheel stance and high waistline typical of MINI; unmistakable design features and hallmark details underline the car’s brand identity. • Three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end; elegantly sweeping roadster look thanks to heavily raked A-pillars and a waistline rising up slightly along the length of the body towards the flat rear end; stands more than 20 millimetres lower than the MINI Convertible; manually operated soft-top roof with straightforward mechanism for spontaneous, rapid opening and closing. • Full-blooded go-kart feeling and outstanding safety levels thanks to bespoke chassis set-up, low centre of gravity, torsionally rigid body and optimised aerodynamic properties; Electric Power Steering and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as standard, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) optional (standard in the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster); roll-over bars in polished stainless steel; active rear spoiler extends automatically at 80 km/h (50 mph); MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with standard John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit. • Focused two-seater concept with stowage area behind the driver and passenger seats, through-loading system and 240-litre luggage area; wide-opening tailgate for comfortable loading; optional: wind protection insert between the roll-over bars....

German magazine Auto Bild reports that a superlight version of Mercedes’ current E-Class is in the works. Using carbon fiber structures, the lightweight E-Class is projected to be 350 kilos or 770 pounds lighter than the regular model. If your experience with carbon fiber is with body panels only, there’s no need to be apprehensive about the safety aspects of a lightweight E-Class. Properly designed carbon fiber can be more rigid than steel and of course, is much lighter. This is the reason the top classes of motorsports use this material extensively, and exotic car makers such as Lamborghini have started using carbon fiber structural components in its latest models. Carbon structures in the E-Class will allow the removal of the B-pillar, which could pave the way for more radical designs, such as gullwing or sliding doors. The car’s lighter weight (projected at 1,300 kilos) will also benefit the car’s performance and handling, and will allow the use of much smaller engines for the fuel-sipping models. Scheduled for release in 2015, these superlight E-Classes will be produced in numbers of about 20,000 annually. Read the original: Superlight E-Class Planned For 2015

The Automotive Addicts crew had the opportunity to attend the 2011 Miami Auto Show. During our visit, the highlight that took our breath away was the Cadillac Ciel Concept vehicle. Below is a video of this stunning concept car that hopefully Cadillac will bring to fruition one day.                     See the rest here: Video: Cadillac Ciel Concept at 2011 Miami Auto Show Originally posted here: Video: Cadillac Ciel Concept at 2011 Miami Auto Show

For almost as long as there have been cars, there have been emblems to identify who made them and what model they are. Some of these emblems are as cool and classic as the cars they identify while others are little more than plastic text with a sticker on the back. This weekend we want to know what vehicle you think wore it’s model name best. What car has the coolest model emblems? More » Read the original here: What car has the coolest model emblems? [Question Of The Weekend] Read more:  What car has the coolest model emblems? [Question Of The Weekend]