Autoblog

Geneva Preview: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:38:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche, Racing

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interesting about-face, Porsche has revealed the first images and details on its new racer, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid.

Based on the rear-drive 911 GT3 R that's set to take to the track in privateer hands later this year, the GT3 R Hybrid utilizes a rear-mounted, 480-hp 4.0-liter flat-six in conjunction with two electric motors that drive the front wheels. Residing in the space normally reserved for the passenger seat sits a flywheel, which harnesses kinetic energy under braking and can spin upwards of 40,000 rpm. Once enough energy is stored, the system lets loose up to 120 kilowatts - approximately 160 horsepower - to the front wheels in six to eight second bursts that are controlled by a steering wheel-mounted button.

Porsche apparently hasn't released official performance specs, but the GT3 R Hybrid's world debut will take place at the Geneva Motor Show before it hits the track for its motorsports debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours on May 15. Devised as a rolling "racing laboratory," after the Hybrid takes to the Green Hell this year, Porsche plans to assault the 24 Hours of LeMans in a refined version in 2012, just as the sanctioning body begins to favor hybrids. Now about that "no hybrids" thing...

Gallery: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

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Geneva Preview: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin taking on the Nürburgring 24-Hour enduro in V12 Vantage

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Vantage - Click above for a high-res image

Aston Martin is returning to the grid for the 37th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race, and joining "Rose" - the yellow V8 Vantage that's clocked over 20,000 miles on the track and campaigned in every enduro since 2006 - will be Aston's latest model, the V12 Vantage.

According to Aston, the Nordschleife-bound V12 didn't need much in the way of modifications to make it ready for race day. The Vantage underwent a weight reduction program primarily comprised of ditching its luxurious interior in favor of a full roll cage and the required safety equipment, along with a re-tuned suspension and Pirelli P Zero Circuit Racing slicks. Otherwise, the 510-hp V12 powerplant remains unchanged and the bodywork is the same as the production model due to go on sale later this year.

This will be AM's fourth consecutive campaign at the Nürburgring, and joining some of the company's engineering team behind the wheel will be Aston Martin's CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. The race gets underway on May 23, and if you want more information about the race, you can check out the ADAC website and Aston's press release below the fold.

Continue reading Aston Martin taking on the Nürburgring 24-Hour enduro in V12 Vantage

Aston Martin taking on the Nürburgring 24-Hour enduro in V12 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru campaigning Impreza STI at Nurburgring 24-hour race

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Subaru

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Nurburgring) - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Subaru has announced its participation in the 37th ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race (AKA the 24-Hours of Nurburgring) with a Subaru Technica International-modified Impreza STI. The WRX will be campaigning in the SP3T class (comprised of turbo'd cars with a displacement of 2.0 liters), with Kazuo Shimizu, Toshihiro Yoshida, Naoki Hattori and Koji Matsuda manning the helm during the enduro.

According to Subaru, the team's objective is to "collect data and verify technical know-how" and use the knowledge it gleans from the race to improve the STI's development. The modifications are standard race-car fare, with a stripped interior and safety equipment, along with a number of body stiffening components and a "Flexible Tower Bar."

Subaru's set up a micro-site to track the team's progress and will supposedly have live timing and results when the event gets underway in May. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Nurburgring)

[Source: Subaru via WCF]

Continue reading Subaru campaigning Impreza STI at Nurburgring 24-hour race

Subaru campaigning Impreza STI at Nurburgring 24-hour race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M3 GT4 to campaign in Nurburgring 24-hour enduro

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW

BMW M3 GT4 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

BMW is far and away the most prolific automaker at the annual 24-hour Nurburgring race, with 114 class victories over the event's 29-year history and almost one-third of last year's field comprised of Bimmers. This year, BMW's Customer Racing program will partner with Schubert Motorsport to bring out a BMW M3 GT4 to campaign in the GT4 class, with FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) drivers Agusto Farfus, Jorg Muller and Andy Priaulx joining two journalists from German magazine Sport Auto.

The M3 GT4, which benefits from all the race-ready hardware you'd expect in a vehicle prepped for a 24-hour enduro, made its debut at last weekend's ADAC Westfalenfahrt at the 'Ring, taking the win in the SP10 class and finishing 30th overall. The M3 will be back at the Nordschleife for the 24 hour race the weekend of May 23 and 24.

Gallery: BMW M3 GT4

BMW M3 GT4 to campaign in Nurburgring 24-hour enduro originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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