Autoblog Racing http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Racing http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Williams aims to restore former glory with new FW34]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/#comments Filed under: ,

2012 Williams FW34 F1 racer

If there's ever been an example of a hero fallen from grace, surely it's Williams. Once dominant in Formula 1, it's been relegated to "also ran" status, but the privateer entry is intent on clawing its way back up to the top.

Williams has infused its management, technical staff and its driver roster with fresh blood. It signed a new engine deal with Renault, whose powerplants drove Williams to successive World Championship titles decades ago, and helped Red Bull rule F1 the past two years.

The team unveiled its new challenger at Jerez, where the season got underway with the first test session of the new year. The new FW34 - so named as the 34th grand prix car produced by Frank Williams - wears the lamentable stepped nose, tighter side pods, and tighter rear quarters that are characteristic of all the 2012 F1 cars unveiled so far.

KERS and DRS systems are intended to help the FW34 keep up with the competition, but only time will tell whether drivers Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado will be able to make the most of it and drive Williams back to its former glory.

Williams aims to restore former glory with new FW34 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bruno sennaf1formula 1formula onefw34jerezmaldonadopastor maldonadosennawilliamswilliams f1williams fw34williams-renault Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166585/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/20166585/article-detail.xml 20166585 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webfw34_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webfw34.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari 458 joining the grid in FIA GT1 World Championship]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/ferrari-458-joining-the-grid-in-fia-gt1-world-championship/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/ferrari-458-joining-the-grid-in-fia-gt1-world-championship/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/ferrari-458-joining-the-grid-in-fia-gt1-world-championship/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Ferrari 458 GTC and Audi R8 LMS

Competition versions of the Ferrari 458 have already been prepared for the Ferrari Challenge, Grand Am, and the GT3 and GT2 classes at Le Mans and its various associated series around the world. Now you can add one more to the roster: the FIA GT1 World Championship.

Ferrari had previously left GT1 racing to the Maserati MC12, but Vitaphone Racing is switching from the Maser to an upgraded version off the BMW Z4 GT3. No announcement has been made identifying which team will field the GT1-spec 458, but whoever takes up the mantle faces a tough field tough field that includes the new McLaren MP4-12C GT3, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, Audi R8 LMS Ultra and Nissan GT-R. The Ford GT, Lamborghini Murcielago and Aston Martin DBR9 all follow the MC12 out of the series this season.

Series organizer SRO also announced that it has struck a deal with Pirelli to provide all the rubber for both the GT1 and GT3 series. Follow the jump for the official statement.

Continue reading Ferrari 458 joining the grid in FIA GT1 World Championship

Ferrari 458 joining the grid in FIA GT1 World Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 458458 italiaferrariferrari 458ferrari 458 gt1ferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 italia gt1fia gt1 world championshipgt1gt1 world championshippirellisro Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/12/ferrari-458-joining-the-grid-in-fia-gt1-world-championship/20169955/article-detail.xml 20169955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/458-r8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/458-r8.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the life of a racer at the 24 Hours of Daytona]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/watch-the-life-of-a-racer-at-the-24-hours-of-daytona/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/watch-the-life-of-a-racer-at-the-24-hours-of-daytona/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/watch-the-life-of-a-racer-at-the-24-hours-of-daytona/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Brumos Racing at the Daytona 24

At this year's Rolex 24 at Daytona, Brumos Racing driver Leh Keen wore a camera strapped to his chest. But he didn't just wear it for the race, he wore it for the entire event, from the plane ride in to the post-race press conference.

Brumos Racing won last year's GT championship and it started off this year by taking third in the #59 Brumos Porsche 911 GT3 at Daytona. One of Keen's co-drivers was Hurley Haywood, who helped win the same race for the same team in 1973 and 1975. Short of smelling the petrol and wiping the champagne off your face, the ensuing video, produced by Porsche, is a terrific example of what it's like being in the driver's seat for a 24-hour endurance race. Check it out after the jump.

Continue reading Watch the life of a racer at the 24 Hours of Daytona

Watch the life of a racer at the 24 Hours of Daytona originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brumos porschedaytonaDaytona 24 Hoursleh keenRolex 24 at Daytonayoutube Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169616/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/11/watch-the-life-of-a-racer-at-the-24-hours-of-daytona/20169616/article-detail.xml 20169616 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/lehkeendaytona24_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/lehkeendaytona24.jpg <![CDATA[Baja 1000 1970 Grabber Olds is our personal hero]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

1970 Grabber Olds 442

Racing is racing. Whether it's pounding the quarter mile into submission or kicking it sideways around a circle track, going fender to fender or against the clock is the same kind of rush no matter the flavor. As you well know, some of the biggest names in hot rodding tried their hand at what would eventually become the Baja 1000 in the '60s. Parnelli Jones, Don Prudhomme, Jim Garner and Steve McQueen all headed to the sands of Mexico to bash around in massive muscle cars between 1967 and 1972.

Needless to say, few of those racers are around today. Ron Johnson of Tacoma, Washington found what was left of Jim Garner's 1970 "Grabber Olds" 442 back in 2008 and began the laborious process of stitching the vehicle back together. Miraculously, he was able to find the original aluminum-block 410 V8 and even the vehicle's hood, which was removed before the car went bumper-over-tea-kettle in an accident that saw the car roll eight times.

Johnson kept the vehicle as close to original as possible, with a few concessions for modern race requirements. The original rear end was scrap by the time he got his hands on the car, so a replacement 12-bolt was sourced and installed with a Moser spool and Yukon 4.11 gears. After reworking the original V8 with all new internals, the engine is good for 508 horseopwer. A TH400 was purpose-built for the application.

Rod Hall has raced the Grabber Olds in a few vintage series with mixed success. You can check out more photos over at the HotRod.com or read the full feature in the March issue of Hot Rod magazine.

Baja 1000 1970 Grabber Olds is our personal hero originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 442baja 1000baja oldsmobile 442grabber oldsmobile 442jim garneroldsmobile 442rod hall Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/20169083/article-detail.xml 20169083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-grabber-olds-442-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-grabber-olds-442-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch as motorcycle racers leap over The Mountain at Cadwell Park]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/watch-as-motorcycle-racers-leap-over-the-mountain-at-cadwell-par/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/watch-as-motorcycle-racers-leap-over-the-mountain-at-cadwell-par/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/watch-as-motorcycle-racers-leap-over-the-mountain-at-cadwell-par/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

The Mountain at Cadwell Park

Motorsport is full of amazing spectacles, and many of them are directly caused by the various peculiarities of specific race tracks. To wit, Laguna Seca is known for The Corkscrew, Le Mans will always be linked to the Mulsanne Straight, The Nürburgring has The Carousel, and the ability to take Spa's Eau Rouge and Raidillon corners flat-out is what separates the men from the boys.

And then there's The Mountain at Cadwell Park. Though not nearly as well known outside the U.K. as many other race track features, The Mountain may be one of the most exciting places to point a video camera in all of motorsport. It's a small hill that comes up directly after a tight left-to-right S-turn, and it routinely launches the bravest riders high into the sky as they try to get the best drive from the corner possible... and it spits many of them sprawling back out the other side on their bums.

If you're not familiar with The Mountain, we suggest you watch the video after the break. Aim high, boys and girls.

Continue reading Watch as motorcycle racers leap over The Mountain at Cadwell Park

Watch as motorcycle racers leap over The Mountain at Cadwell Park originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> british superbikebsbcadwell parkthe mountain Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/watch-as-motorcycle-racers-leap-over-the-mountain-at-cadwell-par/20169468/article-detail.xml 20169468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/the-mountain-cadwell-park_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/the-mountain-cadwell-park.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR makes world debut at Sebring Test]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/2012-porsche-911-gt3-rsr-makes-world-debut-at-sebring-test/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/2012-porsche-911-gt3-rsr-makes-world-debut-at-sebring-test/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/2012-porsche-911-gt3-rsr-makes-world-debut-at-sebring-test/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

The first few 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR racers have made their first appearance in the United States, ahead of their competition debut in the the American Le Mans Series. Although the machine is labeled with the 2012 designation, the latest GT3 RSR is actually still based on the 997 model, not the latest 991 variant of Porsche's long-running 911 model range.

Still, there are plenty of updates that make this GT3 interesting to racers. For starters, a mandatory air-restrictor still lets in enough oxygen for the 4.0-liter boxer six to deliver 460 horsepower to the 310-millimeter rear wheels, which necessitate bodywork that is 48 millimeters wider than before. Like 911 Turbo models, new air scoops are incorporated into the rear fenders - just one small part of a completely revised aero package.

Three images of the 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in race trim during shakedown testing at Sebring have been released, and you can see them above. A full press release is after the break, if you're so inclined.

Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR makes world debut at Sebring Test

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR makes world debut at Sebring Test originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 porsche 911 gt3 rsr911911 gt3 rsralmsgt3 rsrporsche Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169266/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/2012-porsche-911-gt3-rsr-makes-world-debut-at-sebring-test/20169266/article-detail.xml 20169266 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-porsche-911-gt3-rsr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-porsche-911-gt3-rsr.jpg <![CDATA[There's only one thing to do when the Nürburgring is covered in snow...]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/theres-only-one-thing-to-do-when-the-nurburgring-is-covered-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/theres-only-one-thing-to-do-when-the-nurburgring-is-covered-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/theres-only-one-thing-to-do-when-the-nurburgring-is-covered-in/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Nurburgring in the Snow

There's something undeniably enthralling about watching a vehicle perform outside of its intended element. It's why we love seeing semi tractors weaving their way around a road course and rally cars bashing down a rock-strewn desert path. It's also why watching a Formula car dash around the snow-covered Nürburgring paints a big ol' smile on our faces.

When winter weather recently set in on Green Hell, Andy Gulden, the chief instructor for the Nürburgring Driving Academy went out to have a little fun. After a quick tire change, Gulden and the Formula racer were happy as could be flicking around the infamous track.

Gulden doesn't hold back on the accelerator as he tackles the course, either. Fortunately for us, he was kind enough to strap a few cameras to the car before he rolled out of the garage. The resulting video is a look at the Nürburgring as you've likely never seen it before. Hit the jump to check out the clip for yourself.

Continue reading There's only one thing to do when the Nürburgring is covered in snow...

There's only one thing to do when the Nürburgring is covered in snow... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> andy guldenformula carnurburgringnurburgring formula carnurburgring snow videosnow Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168943/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/theres-only-one-thing-to-do-when-the-nurburgring-is-covered-in/20168943/article-detail.xml 20168943 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nurburgring-in-the-snow-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nurburgring-in-the-snow-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan entering V8 Supercar series in Australia]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/nissan-entering-v8-supercar-series-in-australia/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/nissan-entering-v8-supercar-series-in-australia/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/nissan-entering-v8-supercar-series-in-australia/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Nissan GT-R Le Mans

Nissan is headed back to the Australian V8 Supercar Series. The Japanese Automaker was famously ousted in 1993 when the sanctioning body behind the series adjusted the rules to require all entries be V8-based. Nissan had dominated the series for three years with the company's GT-R, laying waste to the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive dinosaurs from Holden and Ford with a high-tech combination of all-wheel drive and turbocharged six-cylinder fury. In 1991, the company set a top-speed record at the Bathurst 1000 that wouldn't be touched for nine years. The following season, the company was forced to carry 100 kg of weight and run reduced boost pressure. It didn't matter. The GT-R still cleaned up.

Nissan is entering the series under the fairly new Car of the Future program, which was designed to make the series more attractive to competitors and sponsors. Interestingly enough, the Car of the Future Program was started by none other than Mark Skaife, the man who piloted the GT-R to many a win in the early '90s. Nissan's racer will be forced to use a generic V8 drivetrain to conform to the rule book, so don't expect to see any more turbo sixes dotting eyes on the track. Likewise, the all-wheel drive of the GT-R will be off the table.

Still, any amount of diversity in a series that's been Holden versus Ford for so long is a step in the right direction. As far as we know, four cars will carry the Nissan badge in the 2013 season and be campaigned by Kelly Racing. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan entering V8 Supercar series in Australia

Nissan entering V8 Supercar series in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> australianissannissan v8 supercarsv8 supercar seriesv8 supercars Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168301/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/nissan-entering-v8-supercar-series-in-australia/20168301/article-detail.xml 20168301 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nissan-gt-r-le-mans-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nissan-gt-r-le-mans-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toro Rosso unveils STR7 at season-opening F1 test in Spain]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/toro-rosso-unveils-str7-at-season-opening-f1-test-in-spain/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/toro-rosso-unveils-str7-at-season-opening-f1-test-in-spain/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/toro-rosso-unveils-str7-at-season-opening-f1-test-in-spain/#comments Filed under: ,

2012 Toro Rosso STR7

With the first test session of the season now under way in Jerez, Spain, the remaining teams - that is, at least, the ones that have their cars ready - are presenting their new designs for the 2012 Formula One World Championship. The latest among them: Scuderia Toro Rosso.

Long known as the Red Bull B-squad, STR positions itself as something of a training squad for new drivers moving into F1 as an extension of the company's young driver training program. And for that reason it axed both of its drivers (Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastian Buemi) in favor of fresh talents Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Like most (make that all so far except McLaren), the new STR7 which they'll be driving this year is distinguished from last year's field by a rather unsightly, platypus-style stepped nose and tighter sidepods and hindquarters. Ferrari once again provides its Type 056 V8 engine, driving through a seven-speed gearbox and assisted by a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) and Drag Reduction System in the rear wing.

With its new drivers and car, Toro Rosso hopes to finish sixth or seventh in the championship this year; an ambitious goal considering that the last time it finished that well was in 2008 when Sebastian Vettel won the Italian Grand Prix against all odds - a victory that still stands as the only podium finish out of the 108 races the team has contested in its six years of racing. We'll be watching to see how they fare.

Toro Rosso unveils STR7 at season-opening F1 test in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1formula 1formula onescuderia toro rossostrstr7toro rosso Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/toro-rosso-unveils-str7-at-season-opening-f1-test-in-spain/20165684/article-detail.xml 20165684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/web-str7_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/web-str7.jpg <![CDATA[Sauber stays hungry in F1 with new C31]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/sauber-stays-hungry-in-f1-with-new-c31/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/sauber-stays-hungry-in-f1-with-new-c31/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/sauber-stays-hungry-in-f1-with-new-c31/#comments Filed under: ,

2012 Sauber C31

Hunger is palpable in Formula One racing. The teams at the front are hungry for wins, while the teams at the back are hungry to claw their way up the field. But Sauber is just starving.

The Switzerland-based privateer team owned and operated by Peter Sauber has been struggling to find financial backing since BMW divested back in 2009. But somehow the team still manages to stay afloat, though to what end we have to wonder when the second and third places it achieved under Bavarian ownership in 2007 and 2008 have since dropped off dramatically to eighth and seventh in the past two seasons.

This year Sauber returns with little in the way of sponsorship and two relative newcomers in Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez behind the wheel. James Key has stepped down from his position as the team's technical director, an opening which Sauber does not intend to immediately fill. Engines are provided once more by Ferrari, and the nose is stepped and the hind-quarters tapered in similar fashion to most of the other cars revealed thus far.

Will this season and the new C31 chassis be the ticket towards Sauber finding sustenance in the most competitive of motorsports? We'll have to wait and see, but in the meantime you can check out the expansive gallery of high-resolution images from the launch at Jerez and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Sauber stays hungry in F1 with new C31

Sauber stays hungry in F1 with new C31 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 sauber c31c31saubersauber c31sauber-ferrari Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165422/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/sauber-stays-hungry-in-f1-with-new-c31/20165422/article-detail.xml 20165422 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/websauber-c31_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/websauber-c31.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus F1 Team reboots with 2012 E20 [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2012 Lotus E20

What's in a name? That depends who you ask. For the folks at Lotus, a name matters a great deal. That's why it fought so hard to regain control of its brand from the team now known as Caterham, and why it is launching racing programs in top series around the world under that same name. For the F1 team that has most recently adopted it, however, the name is less relevant than the winning form to which it hopes to return.

The outfit has won championships under the Benetton banner with Michael Schumacher behind the wheel, and as Renault with Fernando Alonso driving. Its track record has fallen off considerably since then, but this year it's back with new owners, new drivers and this, its new car.

Wearing the same black and gold livery as the R31 campaigned last year under the transitional Lotus Renault GP handle, the new car bears that same stepped nose employed by most of the teams on the grid so far to make the most of the latest technical regulations. In a nod towards continuity, the car is dubbed the E20 - as the 20th car to be built by the Enstone-based team - rather than starting from scratch with a new nomenclature.

The team's former owners at Renault continue to provide the engine that will power 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen in his the long-awaited return to F1 and his junior team-mate Romain Grosjean in his second stab at F1 after dominating the GP2 series, with former HRT race driver Jerome D'Ambrosio joining as test driver. Check out their new ride in the high-res image gallery above and the video after the jump.

Continue reading Lotus F1 Team reboots with 2012 E20 [w/video]

Lotus F1 Team reboots with 2012 E20 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 lotus e20e20f1formula 1formula onelotuslotus e20lotus f1 team Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165484/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/20165484/article-detail.xml 20165484 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weblotus-e20_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weblotus-e20.jpg <![CDATA[Red Bull Racing going for the hat-trick with new RB8 [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/red-bull-racing-going-for-the-hat-trick-with-new-rb8-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/red-bull-racing-going-for-the-hat-trick-with-new-rb8-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/red-bull-racing-going-for-the-hat-trick-with-new-rb8-w-video/#comments Filed under: , ,

2012 Red Bull RB8

It might have seemed like a joke when an energy drink company bought the first of two F1 teams in 2004, but eight years and two world titles later, the only ones laughing are those inside the team. For 2012, Red Bull Racing returns as the force to be reckoned with as it aims to make it three in a row, and this is the car in which it aims to get there.

Red Bull hasn't released much in the way of details on how the RB8 differs from the hugely successful RB7 it replaces, but the most obvious change is the stepped nose design that is unfortunately becoming the defining trait of the 2012 grid. The engine is once again furnished by Renault, with KERS and DRS in place to help Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber get to the front of the field... and stay there. Sebastien Buemi joins the team this season as its official test driver, having been jettisoned from Scuderia Toro Rosso.

Follow the jump for a rather bizarre video clip of the RB8's online launch, check out the only two images released thus far in the gallery below, and watch this space for more as the pretenders to Red Bull's throne present their latest machinery.

Continue reading Red Bull Racing going for the hat-trick with new RB8 [w/video]

Red Bull Racing going for the hat-trick with new RB8 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 red bull racing rb82012 red bull rb8rb8rbrrbr-renaultred bullred bull racingred bull racing rb8red bull rb8video Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165362/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/06/red-bull-racing-going-for-the-hat-trick-with-new-rb8-w-video/20165362/article-detail.xml 20165362 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webrb8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webrb8.jpg <![CDATA[Force India F1 team reveals 2012 VJM05]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/force-india-f1-team-reveals-2012-vjm05/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/force-india-f1-team-reveals-2012-vjm05/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/force-india-f1-team-reveals-2012-vjm05/#comments Filed under: ,

2012 Force India VJM05

Force India has come a long way. What started out as Jordan Grand Prix and changed hands (and names) several times before landing in the stewardship of Indian bazillionaire Vijay Mallya has become a solid mid-field contender on race days. In 2011, the team finished sixth in the constructors' standings, behind front-runners Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes and Lotus Renault GP. In 2012, however, Force India aims to challenge Mercedes and Lotus for fifth place using the car shown above.

The VJM05 bears the same unfortunate stepped nose of the just-unveiled Ferrari F2012 and Caterham CT01, a trend we expect to see across much of the field as teams deal with F1's technical regulations. Engine, transmission and KERS are again provided by Mercedes-Benz through a partnership with McLaren, and while former DTM champion Paul di Resta returns for another season in the cockpit. Adrian Sutil departs the team in the wake of his assault conviction, his seat now occupied by Nico Hulkenberg.

We'll be watching to see if the young duo can continue to move Force India up the F1 hierarchy. For now, you can check out the press release after the jump and photos from the car's unveiling - which included the first on-track session of any 2012 F1 cars revealed thus far - in the image gallery above.

Continue reading Force India F1 team reveals 2012 VJM05

Force India F1 team reveals 2012 VJM05 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 force india vjm05f1force indiaforce india vjm05formula 1formula onevjm05 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163976/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/05/force-india-f1-team-reveals-2012-vjm05/20163976/article-detail.xml 20163976 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webvjm05_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webvjm05.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/#comments Filed under: , ,

Toyota TS030 Hybrid

When Toyota announced its return to endurance sports car racing with the new TS030 Hybrid this season, the plan was to enter a handful of races, like Le Mans and Spa-Francorchamps, on an invitational basis.

Plans change, though, and Toyota has now upgraded the program to a full manufacturer entry, paving the way for it to compete in the entire FIA World Endurance Championship schedule. Now, with budget constraints, it's likely that Toyota will still pick and choose which races to contest, but it does open the door.

The change was apparently made in order to support endurance racing as a motorsport discipline. As part of its arrangement with the FIA, organizers at the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) need at least two manufacturers in the LMP1 category. With Peugeot's withdrawal, the series lacked the requisite level of participation, so Toyota stepped up to fill the void. Follow the jump for the full announcement.

Continue reading Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry

Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> acofia wecfia world endurance championshiple manslmp1toyotatoyota ts030 hybridts030ts030 hybridwecworld endurance championship Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163359/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/20163359/article-detail.xml 20163359 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ts030-web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ts030-web.jpg <![CDATA[Alain Prost wins ice-racing series in Dacia Lodgy Glace MPV]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/alain-prost-wins-ice-racing-series-in-dacia-lodgy-glace-mpv/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/alain-prost-wins-ice-racing-series-in-dacia-lodgy-glace-mpv/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/alain-prost-wins-ice-racing-series-in-dacia-lodgy-glace-mpv/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Dacia Lodgy Glace

A minivan is not what you'd expect to see winning a racing series. Nor would a budget brand like Dacia. That's where Alain Prost comes into the picture.

The four-time Formula One World Champion isn't quite retired: he's still competing in the Andros Trophy, a French ice-racing series. After hoisting the trophy twice in a row with a snow-spec Toyota Auris rally machine, Prost switched over to Dacia, for which he has now claimed his third personal title and the first for Renault's Romanian budget brand.

The title fight came down to the last race in Auvergne, France, where the natural snow and best efforts of race organizers could not separate Prost (or his son Nicolas) from the bare tarmac. The vehicle with which he did it was a new racer (loosely) based on the new Lodgy, an MPV that doesn't make its production debut until theupcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Check out the high-res photos in the gallery for a closer look and follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Alain Prost wins ice-racing series in Dacia Lodgy Glace MPV

Alain Prost wins ice-racing series in Dacia Lodgy Glace MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alain prostandrosandros trophydaciadacia lodgydacia lodgy glaceprost Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160373/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/05/alain-prost-wins-ice-racing-series-in-dacia-lodgy-glace-mpv/20160373/article-detail.xml 20160373 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/weblodgy-andros_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/weblodgy-andros.jpg <![CDATA[Audi confirms R18 hybrid as part of 2012 endurance racing program]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/audi-confirms-r18-hybrid-as-part-of-2012-endurance-racing-progra/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/audi-confirms-r18-hybrid-as-part-of-2012-endurance-racing-progra/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/audi-confirms-r18-hybrid-as-part-of-2012-endurance-racing-progra/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Audi R18 TDI at Le Mans, 2011

The diesel era at Le Mans may not be over yet, but already we're seeing the emergence of a new propulsion trend: hybrids. Toyota recently announced the TS030 Hybrid LMP1, Peugeot was working on a hybrid version of its 908 prototype before it killed the race program, and now Audi has confirmed a hybrid version of the R18 TDI.

Few details were released, but what we can tell you is that Audi will field four cars at Le Mans this year: two with hybrid assist and two without. One will be headlined by Allan McNish, one by Oliver Jarvis, one by Timo Bernhard and one by André Lotterer, with supplemental drivers to be announced sometime before the 80th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans kicks off in June.

Audi also announced a two-car entry for the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship, with four cars to be run at select racers like Spa and Sebring. Expect more details on the R18 hybrid to be released later this month, but in the meantime you can check out the official announcement after the jump.

Continue reading Audi confirms R18 hybrid as part of 2012 endurance racing program

Audi confirms R18 hybrid as part of 2012 endurance racing program originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi r18audi r18 hybridaudi r18 tdiaudi sportfia wecfia world endurance championshiple mansr18wecworld endurance championship Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163328/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/04/audi-confirms-r18-hybrid-as-part-of-2012-endurance-racing-progra/20163328/article-detail.xml 20163328 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-audi-r18-lemans-qualifying-2011-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-audi-r18-lemans-qualifying-2011-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari unveils new step-nosed F2012... snow be damned [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ferrari-unveils-new-step-nosed-f2012-snow-be-damned-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ferrari-unveils-new-step-nosed-f2012-snow-be-damned-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ferrari-unveils-new-step-nosed-f2012-snow-be-damned-w-video/#comments Filed under: , ,



Few things can stand between a Ferrari and the finish line. Not rain, not sleet and certainly not snow. So while the latter fell in prodigious quantities on Maranello, where Ferrari was planning to unveil its latest F1 challenger yesterday, that didn't stop the Scuderia from showing it off to the world, through the magic of this newfangled invention they're calling the "internet".

The F2012 you see here is the fifty-eighth F1 car built by Ferrari, comprising a chassis and powertrain developed and produced entirely in-house: a rarity among F1 teams, particularly in these past few years since major manufacturers like Honda, Toyota and BMW withdrew from the sport.

The most prominent change to the car's form over the F150˚ Italia it replaces is the rather aesthetically challenged but aerodynamically-optimized stepped nose, which (like the one on the Caterham CT01 and expected to follow on several more) conforms to revised FIA regulations while allowing sufficient air to pass underneath the nosecone to allow the underbody aerodynamics to do their thing. The rear section is also more tapered, leading to the rear wing with the Drag Reduction System that returns from last season.

That's all well and good, of course, but what really matters is how the F2012 is going to stack up against the competition - particularly from the returning champions at Red Bull and longtime rivals at McLaren. Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will wring out all the F2012 it has to offer, but only time will tell if they'll be able to add another trophy to the cabinet in Maranello. In the meantime you can check out their new ride in the high-res image gallery above and follow the jump for the full press release, technical details and video footage.

Continue reading Ferrari unveils new step-nosed F2012... snow be damned [w/video]

Ferrari unveils new step-nosed F2012... snow be damned [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1f2012ferrariferrari f2012formula 1formula onescuderia ferrari f2012 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163820/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/ferrari-unveils-new-step-nosed-f2012-snow-be-damned-w-video/20163820/article-detail.xml 20163820 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ferrari-f2012web1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ferrari-f2012web1.jpg <![CDATA[Honda to enter World Touring Car Championship with new Civic]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/honda-to-enter-world-touring-car-championship-with-new-civic/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/honda-to-enter-world-touring-car-championship-with-new-civic/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/honda-to-enter-world-touring-car-championship-with-new-civic/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Honda WTCC Civic racer renderings - Official

Honda has announced plans to enter the FIA World Touring Car Championship with this, a hot new racer based on the newly redesigned 2012 Civic (well, the European five-door, anyway). Details are slim about the new touring car racer, but the automaker has released a statement confirming that the Civic will be powered by a bespoke 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four, developed by Honda R&D in accordance with FIA's Super 2000 regulations. Honda has also formed a joint partnership with Mugen and J.A.S. Motorsport to develop the new Civic.

So, how soon will we get to watch the new hatchback swap paint with other WTCC racers? Honda hopes to officially join WTCC this season, with some inaugural rounds possibly held in Japan, China and Macau. Following that, a two-car team will be entered into every race in the 2013 championship. Hit the jump for the full details.

Continue reading Honda to enter World Touring Car Championship with new Civic

Honda to enter World Touring Car Championship with new Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 honda civicciviceuropean civichondatouring carworld touring car championshipwtcc Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/honda-to-enter-world-touring-car-championship-with-new-civic/20163813/article-detail.xml 20163813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-honda-wtcc628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-honda-wtcc628.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren unleashes new MP4-27 on 2012 Formula One World Championship [w/audio]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mclaren-unleashes-new-mp4-27-on-2012-formula-one-world-champions/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mclaren-unleashes-new-mp4-27-on-2012-formula-one-world-champions/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mclaren-unleashes-new-mp4-27-on-2012-formula-one-world-champions/#comments Filed under: ,

2012 McLaren MP4-27

Forget about all the talk, about the contracts and the lawsuits. The real sign of the Formula One season gearing up to start is when each team unveils its new car. As you may already know, unlike most other series, each team in F1 is not really considered a team. They're called "constructors". Each is responsible for designing and crafting the cars they'll be fielding in the championship.

That process got under way last week when Caterham beat all the others to the punch by unveiling its new Renault-powered CT01. And that's all well and fine, but we all know that the Caterham is far more likely to finish last than finish first. What you're bound to see taking checkered flags is the car you see here: the new McLaren MP4-27.

McLaren, you see, is the winningest team on the grid this side of Ferrari. And with Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton - both world champions - performing the driving duties, the British squad is hard at work on closing that gap. The more immediate challenge, however, is overcoming Red Bull, which returns as reigning champion once again and to which McLaren finished second last season.

The MP4-27 you see here is the car with which McLaren hopes to seize the lead. Although the design looks rather similar to the 2011-spec MP4-26 it replaces, McLaren insists it represents a comprehensive redesign. Fortunately that does not include the stepped platypus nose already shown on the Caterham and which is expected to proliferate across a good part of the grid. Power once again comes from Mercedes-Benz, a relationship that McLaren reiterates it is not about to terminate in favor of another supplier or building its own engines in-house.

We'll have to wait and see as the season gets underway to see if the MP4-27 will be a winner for McLaren, but for now you can check out the high-resolution images from the launch in the gallery above, and jump past the break for the full press release and the sound file of the Mercedes-Benz V8 cranking over.

Continue reading McLaren unleashes new MP4-27 on 2012 Formula One World Championship [w/audio]

McLaren unleashes new MP4-27 on 2012 Formula One World Championship [w/audio] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 mclaren mp4-27f1formula 1formula onemclarenmclaren mp4-27mp4-27 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161933/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/mclaren-unleashes-new-mp4-27-on-2012-formula-one-world-champions/20161933/article-detail.xml 20161933 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webmp4-27front-3-4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webmp4-27front-3-4.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Lotus Lola LMP2

The suitably rapid expansion of the Lotus Racing division is showing no signs of slowing down. The British marque has its own Formula One team, is supplying engines to the IndyCar Series, oversees both GP2 and GP3 teams, has competition versions of its road cars in various GT and rally championships, runs its own karting program, and offers enthusiasts top-notch trackday programs with the Evora GT and Exos/Type 125 single-seater. But that's not enough: now Lotus is gearing up to take on Le Mans.

The company was planning to design its own LMP2 racer, and it had snagged the designer of the 908 HDi away from the now-shuttered Peugeot Sport racing program. But that apparently didn't go quite as smoothly as planned, so Lotus has instead opted to back an independent team to run a second-tier Le Mans prototype on its behalf.

That team is Kodewa, headed up by former HRT F1 team principal Colin Kolles and his father Romulus. They'll be running a chassis built by Lola and powered by a BMW V8 prepared by Engine Developments - the same arrangement by which Lotus is powering its Indy program. The car, as you can see, features the same iconic black and gold livery as other Lotus racers, penned in this case by Daniel Simon - a former Volkswagen Group designer responsible for the Tron:Legacy lightcycles and the livery run on last year's HRT F111.

Look for the Lotus LMP2 to debut when the FIA World Endurance Championship kicks off here at Sebring in March, with a second car expected to join at Spa in May. Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2

Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> daniel simonfia wecfia world endurance championshiple manslmp2lolalola lmp2 coupelotuswecworld endurance championship Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161386/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/20161386/article-detail.xml 20161386 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotus-lmp2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotus-lmp2.jpg -1 2