Autoblog

Audi R8 LMS could be racing in ALMS GT Challenge class in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST

Audi R8 LMS - click above for high res image gallery

When Audi announced its new GT3 class R8 LMS race car late last year it was expecting 2009 to be a year of learning and development. As it turned out, it was a hugely successful season, landing championships in the FIA European GT series, along with the German and Belgian national series. All told, the R8s captured 23 race victories.

In 2010 the new GT Challenge class for GT3 type cars will become a permanent fixture of the American Le Mans Series as the GT1 class is consigned to history. During the 2009 season, GT Challenge was mainly the province of Porsche 911s. However, with the R8s success in Europe this year, Audi is considering offering the car to North American customers for the 2011 season. While the car could probably be competitive in 2010, Audi wants to set up a customer support infrastructure first.

Gallery: Audi R8 LMS 2009

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Audi R8 LMS could be racing in ALMS GT Challenge class in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest issue of EVO hasn't dropped into our laps yet, but our favorite Brit pub apparently got the scoop on another variant of the Toyota FT-86 -- one that's supposedly track tuned and considerably cheaper than the model due to arrive in 2011.

Powered by the same Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tuned boxer four, this supposedly stripped out variant could dispatch some of the standard model's amenities and come equipped with upgraded brakes and suspension components specifically designed for track work and drifting duty. According to EVO, a fully optioned FT-86 would carry a price tag of around $27,000, while this budget-oriented performance model will retail for around $22,000 -- a similar setup to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe RSpec.

EVO goes on to report that Toyota's crosstown rivals are working on a one-make race series for the Honda CR-Z and plan to campaign the hybrid hatch at the 24 hours of Nurburgring enduro in May. The more the merrier we say...

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio

[Source: EVO via FT86Club via Jalopnik]

REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:39:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Acura, Honda, Specialty

Honda HSV-10 GT - Click above for high-res image

The Honda NSX might be gone, but it's set to live on as the HSV-10 GT in Japan's SuperGT championship.

Although we don't have an official release or specs yet, we do have the image above and some preliminary details on the HSV-10 GT or Velocity Sports Honda. Built to the 2010 GT500 regulations, the new front/mid-engine racer from Honda is packing a 500+ hp, 3.4-liter V8 and sending power through the same Ricardo sequential manual gearbox fitted to the 2010 SuperGT cars from Nissan and Toyota. Underneath all that glorious carbon fiber is the same chassis Honda's been working on (originally as an NSX replacement) for the last two years. The SuperGT season opener is scheduled for March 20 and 21 of 2010, but we expect more details and a host of high-res images to hit soon. Stay tuned...

UPDATED with press release after the jump.

[Source: LeBlogAuto]

Continue reading NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT

NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schumacher Says It Himself: driving for Mercedes F1 is a "very strong possibility"

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari

There are hearts breaking all over Italy, and the biggest one of all is that which beats in the chest of Ferrari head Luca de Montezemolo. Michael Schumacher is still under contract to The Prancing Horse as a global ambassador and consultant for their road cars. However, given the opportunity to return to a Formula One cockpit and prove a thing or ten, he appears keen on racing no matter the color of the car.

Neither Schumacher nor the Mercedes F1 team is revealing anything public about the German's chances of driving, but it's been in the press for a few weeks now. Last week, Schumacher phoned Montezemolo and told him there was a "very, very, very strong possibility" he'd end up as a driver for Mercedes. Speculation is that the final say is only waiting on Schumacher's neck to be declared fully healed after his motorcycle accident earlier this year.

If the 41-year-old Schumy does race again with Mercedes, it will be with the company that put him on the road to becoming one of the greatest racing drivers ever. And it will come at the expense of a muy doloroso de Montezemolo, who is so torn up about Michael switching camps that he has taken to calling the former Ferrari driver "the real Michael Schumacher," and the potential Mercedes pilot, "the new Michael Schumacher."

If it comes to pass, we'll play a sad song for de Montezemolo on the jukebox, but we'll do a dance for the coming F1 season: Rosberg and Schumacher in Mercedes', Alonso and Massa in Ferraris, Hamilton and Button in McLarens, Vettel in his Red Bull. There hasn't been a field like that in that kind of machinery in more than a decade. Please let it be March already...

[Source: Autosport | Image: Juergen Schwarz/Getty]

Schumacher Says It Himself: driving for Mercedes F1 is a "very strong possibility" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW Motorsport has announced a lust-worthy addition to its growing line of customer racing offerings in the form of the BMW Z4 GT3.

Although BMW hasn't released pics yet, the factory-built Z4 will be powered by an uprated version of the M3's 4.0-liter V8 currently fitted to the race-ready M3 GT2. Controlled by a Type-408 ECU and Power400 control unit, the 4.0-liter V8 is good for a claimed 480 horsepower and sends its ample grunt through a standard six-speed sequential gearbox. Central-locking wheels, ABS and a host of other kit will allow the Z4 GT3 to campaign in a number of sanctioned events, including the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open, ADAC GT Masters and several 24-hour enduros.

Deliveries begin in the second quarter of 2010, with an estimated price of 298,000 euro, or over $425,000 on a straight exchange. Full details and ordering information available in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

[Source: BMW Motorsport]

Continue reading BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant

BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford names Jamie Allison director North American Motorsport

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - click above for high res image gallery

Ford has named Jamie Allison as the new director of its North American Motorsports programs. Set to replace Brian Wolfe, Allison has been working in Ford Racing for six years and has been with the Dearborn automaker for 22 years. While part of the racing group, Allison has worked in one of the more profitable segments of the business, selling racing performance parts. During his tenure Allison oversaw the launch of Ford selling turn-key race cars like the FR500C, the FR500S and of course the Cobra Jet drag race car.

The race car program has been very successful both in terms of sales and on the track, with both the 2008 and 2010 runs of 50 Cobra Jets sold out before the cars were even built. The announcement of Allison's promotion came during a media event this week where Allison revealed the next product from Ford Racing, which you'll here more about next week. Wolfe has been named to a new position in the product development organization.

Gallery: First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

[Source: Ford]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Ford names Jamie Allison director North American Motorsport

Ford names Jamie Allison director North American Motorsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching

Dan Roth — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos

Car Launching - Click above to watch the video

As the proliferation of LeMons events has proven, there's a fat vein of crap-box motorsports yet to be mined. Northwestern Wisconsin has its own unique brand of vehicular mayhem called Car Launching. The premise is simple: Jump something fetid and ridiculous off an earthen ramp, headed for certain destruction.

It's best to tow something that enhances the punchline. Like a dumpster. It's a much shorter lap than LeMons, but we suppose you could counter that by dragging more than one vehicle with you. Check out the video posted after the jump for the full impact. (We highly recommend clicking the "View Fullscreen" option.)

[Source: Notes from the Technology Underground]

Continue reading VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching

VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Supra HV-R GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's pulled out of F1, but that doesn't mean the company has lost its will to win with cutting edge tech. Rumors suggest it's dusting off the underpinnings of the Hybrid Supra HV-R it used to win the Tokkachi 24-Hour race two years ago, and staring at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a glint in its eye.

The Supra HV-R used a 473-horsepower V8 that gets help from regenerative braking, a quick-charging capacitor, and three additional electric motors: two in the front wheels, one in the back of the car. Toyota would need to upgrade the tech, prep the car for the GT1 class, and test it, so a 2012 race entry is hypothesized were such a thing to happen.

As far as we're concerned, anything that could lead to bringing back a Supra -- even if only in race trim to begin with -- is all right with us. Especially one with 473 horses, gobs of torque and a date with the Mulsanne straight. Toyota, please do this...

Gallery: Denso SARD Supra HV-R

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Porsche 911 GT3 rally cars provide perfect Friday soundtrack

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Porsche

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Rally fans often stand at a corner or in the middle of a straight away, sometimes for hours, just to get a glimpse of their favorite car. If you're lucky, you get a prime spot at a sharp turn or abrupt elevation that leads to airborne cars. Lucky for us, the Internets exist so that the best moments of these races are captured for our enjoyment.

Over eight minutes of high-revving Porsche GT3 rally cars await you after the jump. Just about every shot is a keeper and the intense (and vivid) screams of the hopped up boxer engines is more than enough reason to spend a few minutes of your time watching the footage after the jump. Besides, you'll want to remember what it is to actually drive a car before heading out of the office and into rush-hour gridlock, right?

[Source: YouTube via 0-60]

Continue reading VIDEO: Porsche 911 GT3 rally cars provide perfect Friday soundtrack

VIDEO: Porsche 911 GT3 rally cars provide perfect Friday soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Camaro SS Pace Car ready for Indy 500

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Chevrolet, Specialty

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Indianapolis 500 is still more than five months away, but General Motors is getting a jump on the 2010 season with the unveiling of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car.

Shown today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the tangerine Camaro is a rolling homage to the original pony pace car that rolled onto the track in 1967, complete with Inferno Orange Metallic paint, White Diamond rally stripes and a color-matched instrument panel. While the auto-box equipped, 400-hp 6.2-liter V8 apparently remains unchanged, the rest of the modifications are primarily cosmetic, including the Indy 500 logos adorning the doors, front fenders and seat headrests, along with an all-new front grille that's slated to be available as a Camaro accessory in the future. The only safety equipment is the strobe light system mounted inside the rear window, negating the need for a traditional roof-top light bar.

The 2010 Indy 500 Camaro will be on display at the Indianapolis Auto Show starting on December 26, but you can get all the details by checking out the gallery below and the press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

Continue reading 2010 Camaro SS Pace Car ready for Indy 500

2010 Camaro SS Pace Car ready for Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault stays in Formula One after selling stake in team

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Renault

The Renault name will remain on the Formula One grid when the series resumes in 2010 thanks to a deal announced on Wednesday. There had been considerable speculation in recent months that Renault would shut down its F1 effort and follow Honda, BMW and Toyota out the door. These rumors hit a fever pitch after the "Crash-Gate" controversy and the sudden departure of primary sponsor ING.

However, in the past couple of weeks it became plausible that Renault could stay in the sport although in a scaled down fashion. Luxemborg based Genii Capital will buy a majority stake in the team which will retain the automaker's name. The exact percentage hasn't been disclosed although the earlier speculation had Renault retaining only 25 percent of the team.

Renault will retain the engine building operation and continue to supply the Red Bull Racing team in 2010. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault stays in Formula One after selling stake in team

Renault stays in Formula One after selling stake in team originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MotoGP to return to 1000cc format, MotoCzysz back in the mix?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle

After a few years experimenting with 800cc engines in MotoGP, the Grand Prix Commission has just announced a switch back to 1000cc powerplants with the added caveat that they must have bore centers of 81 millimeters. These new regulations are set to go into effect for the 2012 racing season, and at least one small player is happy about the change. On the official MotoCzyst blog, Michael Czysz wrote:

The 2012 season is a great opportunity! MotoCzysz now has the base motorcycle, enough time and rules actually leaning a little in our favor - we could not ask for a better opportunity. Let's hope others feel the way I do. There is heavy lifting to be done but great things can be accomplished with many hands and the assistance of a few true believers.

It would seem that Czysz would have a leg up on the competition in getting a MotoGP platform ready for 2012 since the company's four-cylinder C1 was initially designed to compete in the 1000cc class. It's unclear at this point if MotoCzysz will continue developing its electric E1 platform or if it will focus all of its efforts on getting a bike on the MotoGP grid for 2012. Or, ya know, neither of the above.

[Source: MotoCzysz via Asphalt and Rubber]

MotoGP to return to 1000cc format, MotoCzysz back in the mix? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Photographer snaps drag car crash with nerves of steel

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Click above to watch video of the crash after the jump

When a 250-mph funny car suddenly loses control and launches like a missile in your direction, common sense dictates that the best thing to do is run away. As fast as possible. While the instincts of the shutter bugs at Pomona Raceway in California told most to run for cover, Andy Willsheer just kept on shooting. And when Steve Gasparrelli's Ford Mustang funny car came screaming at him full tilt and completely out of control, Willsheer snapped off several of the most up close and personal shots you'll ever see.

Gasparrelli's Mustang funny car slipped on some oil right out of the gate and made an immediate 90-degree right turn right for the concrete barrier. The drag car was immediately upended by the barrier just three feet from where Willsheer was shooting. Neither Willsheer or Gasparrelli were seriously hurt in the incident. We're not sure if Willsheer was brave or stupid for not moving, but we sure do like the pics. Be sure to head over to the Daily Mail to check out Willsheer's amazing photos and hit the jump to watch video of the accident. Pretty amazing stuff.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Continue reading VIDEO: Photographer snaps drag car crash with nerves of steel

VIDEO: Photographer snaps drag car crash with nerves of steel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Pastrana practice for record New Year's Eve jump goes awry

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Travis Pastrana's practice jump - Click above to watch the video after the break

This is what we mean when we say Travis Pastrana is insane. Generally, whenever the world sees a ridiculous freestyle dirtbike or automobile trick, it goes off without a hitch. It almost seems like a foregone conclusion that the rider is going to execute a perfect jump or flip, wave to the cameras and hug his significant others. There's a reason for that...

That reason? In a word: Practice. Yes, just like your first grade teacher drilled into you decades ago, practice makes perfect. Usually. As you'll see in the video after the break, practice sessions are just as dangerous and death-defying as the actual stunts themselves. In fact, sometimes even more so.

For this particular feat of craziness, Pastrana is actually planning to jump off a ramp at the end of a pier over 250 feet of water to a waiting barge as part of a New Year's celebration. Assuming practice sessions indicate that it's possible... which, well, just hit the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube via Auto-Focus.us]

Continue reading VIDEO: Pastrana practice for record New Year's Eve jump goes awry

VIDEO: Pastrana practice for record New Year's Eve jump goes awry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IRL unifies feeder series under "Road to Indy" banner

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Open-wheel racing in America has been in shambles for far too long. But now that CART and the IndyCar Series are back together, with the joint Indy Racing League taking steps to unify the feeder series below them.

Grouped under the "Road to Indy" initiative, the coordination brings the US Formula 2000, Star Mazda and Indy Lights championships under one umbrella, giving aspiring drivers a clear ladder up which they can ascend with the aim of breaking into the top-tier IndyCar Series.

Although the Star Mazda and USF2000 series will continue with their own schedules while the Indy Lights series continues to support IndyCar racers, all four will come together during the month-long Indy 500 extravaganza at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well as the events in St Petersburg and Iowa.

[Source: IRL]

IRL unifies feeder series under "Road to Indy" banner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren's Whitmarsh reportedly elected to replace Montezemolo as FOTA chairman

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

There's only so many chairs one man can sit in at once. But Luca di Montezemolo has made an art out of pushing the limits. In addition to serving as chairman of both Ferrari and the Fiat group, the hereditary nobleman was, until recently at least, also chairing the Italian Confindustria employers' federation and the FIEG editorial organization. But something's got to give, and at the end of this year he's stepping down from his role as the founding chairman of the Formula One Teams Association.

In his place, according to the latest reports, will serve one Martin Whitmarsh, recently promoted to team principal of the McLaren team after Ron Dennis went off to concentrate on the emerging road car division. Meanwhile, Red Bull chief Christian Horner was reportedly elected to chair the Sporting Working Group while Ross Brawn stays on as head of the Technical Working Group within FOTA. The meeting of the team principals took place in Monaco on the heels of the F1 Business Forum and the Formula 1 Commission meeting.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

McLaren's Whitmarsh reportedly elected to replace Montezemolo as FOTA chairman originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus

The pieces to the puzzle that is the upcoming Formula One season are coming together bit by bit. In the latest development, the upstart Lotus F1 Racing team has announced the signing of two veteran drivers: Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen.

A former Monaco Grand Prix race winner, Trulli has driven for five different teams over the course of the past twelve years on the grid. Speculation was that he could switch to NASCAR following a recent test with Michael Waltrip Racing, particularly as the Toyota team for which he'd been driving for the past six years announced its withdrawal from the series. Finnish driver Kovalainen, meanwhile, is also a former race winner, left without a ride when McLaren replaced him with reigning world champion Jenson Button. Local aspirant Fairuz Fauzy, formerly of Malaysia's A1GP team, will serve as reserve/test driver.

The announcement was made by Malaysia's prime minister, whose government is backing the team. Although the outfit has no direct ties with the automaker of the same name - save for mutual patronage by Malaysia's state-run Proton - the British sportscar-maker and engineering firm could buy into the team at some point in the future as part of its comprehensive racing plan, giving Lotus the kind of operation Ferrari has run for decades.

With the Lotus drivers in place and Force India having recently confirmed the retention of Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi, the 2010 grid is rapidly taking form. The only remaining seats are with Mercedes/Brawn GP (which has yet to announce Nico Rosberg's team-mate as speculation intensifies over Michael Schumacher's return), Renault (which has yet to announce a wingman for Robert Kubica as the team's future remains in question), Sauber (which was only recently approved for next season), Toro Rosso, Campos Meta (which has announced only Bruno Senna), Virgin/Manor (which has confirmed only Timo Glock so far) and USF1.

Follow the jump for the full press release from Lotus.

[Source: Lotus F1 Team | Image: Bongarts/Getty]

Continue reading 2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen

2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Europe, Jaguar, Specialty

Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car - Click above for image gallery

We can thank the Italians for some of the most enticing race machinery ever to grace tarmac. But in this case, the Italians have taken a British saloon and transformed it for track duty.

This racing version of the Jaguar XF made its debut this past weekend at South Africa's Kyalami circuit, where the Superstars Series held its season finale. The Italian touring car series pits all manner of specially-prepared machinery - ranging from Chevrolet Luminas and Chrysler 300s to Audi RS4s and the Maserati Quattroporte we reported on earlier - against each other at circuits around Italy, with one round this season held abroad. While you may not recognize any names from the current roster of drivers, the handicapped former CART Champion and F1 driver Alex Zanardi is set to race for BMW in the Italian series.

Few details are available on the new Jag touring car's specifications, but it was prepared by Italian racing garage Ferlito Motors to replace an aging machine based on the old S-Type. For its race debut, the new XF racer finished 12th - dead last of the cars that finished the race, but at least it finished. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the (unfortunately low-res) images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car

[Source: Superstars Series]

Continue reading Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars

Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autosport: Drivers vote Senna as greatest of all time

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Autosport recently held one of those this-has-to-be-about-creating-controversy polls to find the greatest F1 driver of all time. But this was more like the Screen Actors Guild Awards than the Oscars, in that it was 217 Formula 1 drivers -- going all the way back to 98-year-old Paul Pietsch, who raced in the 1930s -- doing the voting. From among all their peers, the group chose Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna as the number one F1 stunner.

Still, there are plenty of "What?!" moments. Ayrton we're solid on, and only three drivers from the past two decades made the top ten, one of them being Fernando Alonso at the number nine spot. But seriously -- Lewis Hamilton at number 17 ahead of Jack Brabham, Graham Hill, and Kimi Raikkonen? Jensen Button at number 30 ahead of Alan Jones, Guiseppe Farina, and Phil Hill? We say, "Hmmm..." Have a look at the list yourselves, where you can vote for whether a driver should be ranked higher or lower. Hat tip to Marien.

[Source: Autosport | Image:AFP/Getty]

Autosport: Drivers vote Senna as greatest of all time originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen iPhone app lets you follow Dakar progress

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:41:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, Diesel

There are thousands of iPhone apps for all "that" and too much more, but few that we think have the potential to be this cool. VW will contest the Dakar Rally from January 2-17 -- Race Touareg 2 drivers Giniel de Villiers and ~~Dirk von Zitzewitz~~ Mark Miller finished 1-2 last year -- and you can follow the VW team with its Rally Mobile app.

The information will start flowing before the race and continue throughout and afterward. Look for daily reports and video recaps, photographs, background information on the the Race Touareg 2, and detailed stage information. Also, It's free, which is always cool. All the pertinent info and the download link are in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen iPhone app lets you follow Dakar progress

Volkswagen iPhone app lets you follow Dakar progress originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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