Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nissan looks back at the DeltaWing's first year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/nissan-looks-back-at-the-deltawings-first-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/nissan-looks-back-at-the-deltawings-first-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/nissan-looks-back-at-the-deltawings-first-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan DeltaWing in the paddock

It was a tumultuous year for the Nissan DeltaWing. After garnering the support of sponsors and fielding one of the most unique race cars in recent history, the team suffered an early crash at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that saw them sidelined during the remainder of the car's debut race. Likewise, a collision during qualifying at Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta put the team at the back of the pack for the race. Even so, the car managed to fight its way through the field of competitors to place fifth overall.

Needless to say, the car, its drivers and its team have learned some serious lessons in its first year. To commemorate the DeltaWing's first season on the world's race tracks, Nissan has worked up a quick retrospective video documenting the car's trials and triumphs in 2012. You can check it out by scrolling below.

Continue reading Nissan looks back at the DeltaWing's first year

Nissan looks back at the DeltaWing's first year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mans24 hours of lemansdeltawingnissannissan deltawingpetit le mansvideoMon, 10 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398959/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/10/nissan-looks-back-at-the-deltawings-first-year/20398959/article-detail.xml 20398959 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/deltawing-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/deltawing-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 - 2010 Le Mans recap]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/16/video-corvette-racing-episode-6-2010-le-mans-recap/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/16/video-corvette-racing-episode-6-2010-le-mans-recap/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/16/video-corvette-racing-episode-6-2010-le-mans-recap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Episode six of the Corvette Racing Track to Street series went up this week and as expected, it's a recap of what went down at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last month. 2010 marked the 50th anniversary or the American sports car's first appearance at the French endurance race and a parade of 50 'Vettes took to the track prior to the race.

The first French appearance of the works Corvettes in the GT2 class started off well, with the cars starting first and second in class after the Risi Ferrari F430 time was disallowed. The Corvettes ran strong for the first 16 hours before both eventually succumbed to engine failures. Team manager Doug Fehan promises the C6.Rs will be back for blood in 2011. Check out the video after the jump.


Gallery: Le Mans 2010: The Race


Gallery: Le Mans 2010: Qualifying and practice


[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 - 2010 Le Mans recap

Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 - 2010 Le Mans recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24Hours24HoursOfLeManschevroletChevrolet CorvetteChevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2Chevrolet Corvette C6RChevroletCorvetteChevroletCorvetteC6.rGt2ChevroletCorvetteC6rchevycorvette racingCorvetteC6.rCorvetteRacingLe Mansle mans 2010Le Mans 24 HoursLeMansLeMans2010LeMans24HoursvideovideosFri, 16 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19557370/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/16/video-corvette-racing-episode-6-2010-le-mans-recap/19557370/article-detail.xml 19557370 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/corvette-le-mans_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/corvette-le-mans.png <![CDATA[Le Mans 2010: To finish first, first you must finish]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/13/le-mans-2010-to-finish-first-first-you-must-finish/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/13/le-mans-2010-to-finish-first-first-you-must-finish/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/13/le-mans-2010-to-finish-first-first-you-must-finish/#commentsFiled under:

#1 Peugeot 908
#1 Peugeot 908 powers through the night at Le Mans - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's the most important axiom of motorsports: If your car isn't running at the checkered flag, it really doesn't matter how fast you run. Nowhere is that more true than at Le Mans. The field that began with 55 cars gradually dwindled through the night. At the midway point, the #2 Peugeot led two of the Audis with the #1 car battling back from a mechanical malady. For those of you who aren't planning to watch the race on your DVR, continue reading after the jump.


Gallery: Le Mans 2010: The Race


Gallery: Le Mans 2010: Qualifying and practice

Continue reading Le Mans 2010: To finish first, first you must finish

Le Mans 2010: To finish first, first you must finish originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24Hours24HoursOfLeMansaudiaudi r15audi r15 TDIAudiR15AudiR15Tdicorvettecorvette racingCorvetteC6.rCorvetteRacingLe Mansle mans 2010Le Mans 24 HoursLeMansLeMans2010LeMans24HoursPeugeotPeugeot 908 HDiPeugeot908HdiSun, 13 Jun 2010 09:52:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19514176/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/13/le-mans-2010-to-finish-first-first-you-must-finish/19514176/article-detail.xml 19514176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/4c1447c95e7d5-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/4c1447c95e7d5-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Le Mans 2010: Mid-race report]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/12/le-mans-2010-mid-race-report-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/12/le-mans-2010-mid-race-report-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/12/le-mans-2010-mid-race-report-2/#commentsFiled under:

Racing action in the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans - Click above for high-res image gallery

As the cars raced into the night at Le Mans, attrition has begun to take its toll. Several of the fastest cars on the track have succumbed to accidents or mechanical failures. For those who are planning to watch on DVR, move along, the rest of you can get a recap of the first 12 hours after the jump.


Gallery: Le Mans 2010: The Race


Gallery: Le Mans 2010: JaguarRSR XKR

Continue reading Le Mans 2010: Mid-race report

Le Mans 2010: Mid-race report originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Horas de Le Mans24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24HorasDeLeMans24HoursOfLeMansLe Mansle mans 2010Le Mans 24 HoursLeMansLeMans2010LeMans24HoursSat, 12 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19513806/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/12/le-mans-2010-mid-race-report-2/19513806/article-detail.xml 19513806 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/m101471fine-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/m101471fine-630.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/12/bmw-art-car-and-all-female-ford-gt-out-of-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/12/bmw-art-car-and-all-female-ford-gt-out-of-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/12/bmw-art-car-and-all-female-ford-gt-out-of-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BMW Art Car is done
BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans - Click above for image gallery

Artist Jeff Koons' special paint scheme is now the only thing that makes the #79 BMW M3 GT2 Art Car look like it's moving. Just after starting the sixth hour of the 24 hours of Le Mans, the BMW was crawling around the track for the third time. Andy Priaulx pulled off the course onto the grass and began swerving back and forth as though he was out of fuel. Unfortunately, it was to no avail as the M3 rolled to a stop for good. The marshals pushed the car behind the guardrail and Priaulx set off on foot for the pits.

Meanwhile in GT1, the all-female team of Natacha Gachnang, Cyndie Allemann and Rahel Frey have finished their race in the #61 Ford GT as well. At about the same time the BMW Art Car gave up the ghost, Gachnang pulled over right in front of the marshal's stand at the Mulsanne corner with thick smoke pouring out of the Ford. Gachnang, who has been limping on crutches all week, was able to crawl out of the car just as the marshals arrived with fire extinguishers. At this point, we haven't heard the cause of the fire.


Gallery: BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans


[Source: Speed]

BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLeMansbmwbmw art carBMW M3bmw m3 gt2BMW M3 GT2 Art CarBmwArtCarBmwM3BmwM3Gt2BmwM3Gt2ArtCarfordford gtFordGtLe Mansle mans 2010Le Mans 24 HoursLeMansLeMans2010LeMans24HoursSat, 12 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19513884/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/12/bmw-art-car-and-all-female-ford-gt-out-of-le-mans/19513884/article-detail.xml 19513884 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/artcarfordgt000opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/artcarfordgt000opt.jpg <![CDATA[Get your 24 Hours of Le Mans spotters guide for this weekend's race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/get-your-24-hours-of-le-mans-spotters-guide-for-this-weekends-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/get-your-24-hours-of-le-mans-spotters-guide-for-this-weekends-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/get-your-24-hours-of-le-mans-spotters-guide-for-this-weekends-r/#commentsFiled under:



For those planning to watch the 55 cars starting 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, a spotter's guide is a must-have. Thankfully, Andy Blackmore has created a two page, high-resolution, full-color guide with all the latest liveries and driver lineups that can be downloaded and printed out.

The 2010 Le Mans spotters guide is available at SpottersGuide.com and Blackmore is asking anyone that appreciates his efforts to kick down a few dollars to Miles to End Malaria. The site also features guides for numerous other series including ALMS, Formula Drift and British Touring Cars. The race starts at 9:00 AM EDT on Saturday with live coverage on Speed TV

[Source: Spotters Guide]

Get your 24 Hours of Le Mans spotters guide for this weekend's race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLeMansandy blackmoreAndyBlackmoreLe Mansle mans 2010le mans 2010 spotters guideLe Mans 24 Hoursle mans spotters guideLeMansLeMans2010LeMans2010SpottersGuideLeMans24HoursLeMansSpottersGuidespotters guideSpottersGuideFri, 11 Jun 2010 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19512703/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/11/get-your-24-hours-of-le-mans-spotters-guide-for-this-weekends-r/19512703/article-detail.xml 19512703 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/largeheaderimage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/largeheaderimage.jpg <![CDATA[Le Mans 2010: Peugeot grabs first four grid spots, Corvette on GT2 pole]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/le-mans-2010-peugeot-grabs-top-4-places-on-grid-corvette-on-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/le-mans-2010-peugeot-grabs-top-4-places-on-grid-corvette-on-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/le-mans-2010-peugeot-grabs-top-4-places-on-grid-corvette-on-gt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Peugeot 908 HDi qualifying for Le Mans 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans is getting quite predictable, with the big question being which of the Peugeot 908s will come out on top. After three timed sessions over two days, the No. 3 Peugeot of Pedro Lamy, Sebastien Bourdais and Simon Pagenaud came was quickest as the four French diesels filled the first two rows on the grid. Right behind them are the three factory Audi R15+ TDIs and then the two Aston Martin-Lolas.

Down the field in the LMP2 ranks, the Honda powered ARX-01c campaigned by UK-based Strakka racing lapped the eight-mile circuit 1.46 seconds faster than a similar car being run by defending American Le Mans Series champs Highcroft Racing. 2010 is the final year of eligibility for the GT1 class at Le Mans and Aston Martin hopes to go out in style. The DBR9 driven by Tomas Enge, Christoph Nygaard and Peter Kox edged out a pair of Ford GTs and the ex-factory GT1 Corvettes.

In GT2, ALMS regulars ruled the roost. The No.82 Risi Ferrari ran fastest but its time was disallowed because of an unknown technical infraction. As a result, the two Corvette C6.Rs will lead the GT2 field to the green flag with Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta and Emmanuel Collard on the pole. Unfortunately for the JaguarRSR team, the cool green-and-black leaping cat livery has not translated into much speed with the XKR finishing dead last in qualifying, nearly 13 seconds slower per lap than the lead Vette. The green flag falls at 3PM CET on Saturday, so stay tuned.


Gallery: Le Mans 2010: Qualifying and practice


[Sources: Le Mans, Corvette Racing, Audi, Peugeot]

Continue reading Le Mans 2010: Peugeot grabs first four grid spots, Corvette on GT2 pole

Le Mans 2010: Peugeot grabs first four grid spots, Corvette on GT2 pole originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLeMansaudiaudi r15audi r15 plusAudi R15 plus TDIaudi r15 TDIaudi R15+ tdiAudiR15AudiR15+TdiAudiR15PlusAudiR15PlusTdiAudiR15TdichevroletChevrolet CorvetteChevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2Chevrolet Corvette C6RChevroletCorvetteChevroletCorvetteC6.rGt2ChevroletCorvetteC6rchevyhonda performance developmentHondaPerformanceDevelopmenthpd arx01cHpdArx01cJaguarRSRjaguarrsr xkr gt2JaguarrsrXkrGt2Le Mansle mans 2010Le Mans 24 Hoursle mans qualifyingLeMansLeMans2010LeMans24HoursLeMansQualifyingPeugeotPeugeot 908 HDiPeugeot908HdiFri, 11 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19512466/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/11/le-mans-2010-peugeot-grabs-top-4-places-on-grid-corvette-on-gt/19512466/article-detail.xml 19512466 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/090610-c-peuopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/090610-c-peuopt.jpg <![CDATA[Sebring and Petit Le Mans added to 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/sebring-and-petit-le-mans-added-to-2011-intercontinental-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/sebring-and-petit-le-mans-added-to-2011-intercontinental-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/sebring-and-petit-le-mans-added-to-2011-intercontinental-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

12 Hours of Sebring
2010 12 Hours of Sebring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) announced the formation of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup that would feature races in Europe, North America and Asia for what is essentially a sports car racing world championship. For this year, the cup includes only three races, with the North American round being the Petit Le Mans in October.

Come 2011, the cup expands to seven races and will include the 24 Hours of Le Mans and both the Sebring and Petit Le Mans events in the U.S. Peugeot has already committed itself to competing for the 2010 cup and Audi has said it is considering participating. The other 2011 races will be at Spa in Belgium, Silverstone in England, Fuji in Japan and a circuit in China.

The ACO also announced that it would follow the American Le Mans Series and eliminate the GT1 class in 2011 in favor of GT2 as well as bringing in a new generation of LMP cars.


Gallery: 2010 12 Hours of Sebring


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading Sebring and Petit Le Mans added to 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup

Sebring and Petit Le Mans added to 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 Hours of Sebring12HoursOfSebring24 hours24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24Hours24HoursOfLeMansLe Mansle mans 2010Le Mans 24 HoursLe Mans intercontinental cupLe Mans SeriesLeMansLeMans2010LeMans24HoursLeMansIntercontinentalCupLeMansSeriesPetit Le MansPetitLeManssebringFri, 11 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19511709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/11/sebring-and-petit-le-mans-added-to-2011-intercontinental-le-mans/19511709/article-detail.xml 19511709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/4ba579bed9648fullscreenmediatheque-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/4ba579bed9648fullscreenmediatheque-copy.jpg <![CDATA[BMW art car by Jeff Koons unveiled for 24 Hours of Le Mans [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/bmw-art-car-by-jeff-koons-unveiled-for-24-hours-of-le-mans-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/bmw-art-car-by-jeff-koons-unveiled-for-24-hours-of-le-mans-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/bmw-art-car-by-jeff-koons-unveiled-for-24-hours-of-le-mans-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Jeff Koons BMW M3 GT2 art car - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest in a 35-year-long run of BMW art cars was unveiled in Paris today ahead of its participation in next week's 24 hours of Le Mans. The M3 GT2 was painted by American artist Jeff Koons with a multicolored theme that should look pretty wild when photographed running down the Mulsanne straight after dark.

Koons first approached BMW about creating an art car in 2003, but the project finally came to fruition earlier this year. Over the last four months Koons has worked closely with the BMW Motorsports squad on the application of the graphics to ensure they didn't have any negative affect on the car's aerodynamics.

Several of the 16 previous art cars have also run at Le Mans including the very first one created by Alexander Calder in 1975 and the 1999 V12 LMR painted by Jenny Holzer. This year the #79 art car will be driven by Andy Priaulx (GB), Dirk Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE) while the standard white "Joy"-liveried #78 will be piloted by Jörg Müller (DE), Augusto Farfus (BR), Uwe Alzen (DE). Video of the unveiling is after the jump.


Gallery: Jeff Koons BMW M3 GT2 art car


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW art car by Jeff Koons unveiled for 24 Hours of Le Mans [w/video]

BMW art car by Jeff Koons unveiled for 24 Hours of Le Mans [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLeMans3 series3Seriesbmwbmw art carBMW M3bmw m3 gt2BMW M3 GT2 Art CarBmwArtCarBmwM3BmwM3Gt2BmwM3Gt2ArtCarJeff KoonsJeff Koons Art CarJeff Koons BMW Art CarJeff Koons BMW M3 GT2 Art CarJeffKoonsJeffKoonsArtCarJeffKoonsBmwArtCarJeffKoonsBmwM3Gt2ArtCarWed, 02 Jun 2010 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19500014/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/02/bmw-art-car-by-jeff-koons-unveiled-for-24-hours-of-le-mans-w-vi/19500014/article-detail.xml 19500014 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/p90061292highresopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/p90061292highresopt.jpg <![CDATA[Panoz teases new Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" sports car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/03/panoz-teases-new-abruzzi-spirit-of-le-mans-sports-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/03/panoz-teases-new-abruzzi-spirit-of-le-mans-sports-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/03/panoz-teases-new-abruzzi-spirit-of-le-mans-sports-car/#commentsFiled under: ,

Panoz Abruzzi teaser - Click above to enlarge

After nearly two decades of building cars, Panoz Auto Development is just now getting ready to introduce its third new model. The Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" will officially debut next month in conjunction with the French endurance classic. Panoz has released the first official teaser image of the new coupe, with founder Don Panoz mentioning that none of the numerous renderings purporting to show the Abruzzi are accurate.

No details about the powertrain have been revealed, but the body is made from a Recyclable Energy Absorbing Matrix System which apparently utilizes lots of recaptured materials. The Abruzzi also incorporates a three-stage cooling system that benefits performance and efficiency. Given that the ALMS is such a strong proponent of alternative fuels we wouldn't be surprised to see something unusual under the hood, perhaps even a hybrid. We'll find out soon enough.

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Panoz teases new Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLeMansamerican le mansamerican le mans seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSeriesLe Mansle mans 2010Le Mans 24 HoursLeMansLeMans2010LeMans24HoursPanozpanoz abruzzipanoz motorsports groupPanozAbruzziPanozMotorsportsGroupMon, 03 May 2010 14:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19462680/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/03/panoz-teases-new-abruzzi-spirit-of-le-mans-sports-car/19462680/article-detail.xml 19462680 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/abruzzi0503101-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/abruzzi0503101-630.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R15 "plus" TDI shows off new, more aerodynamic nose]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/15/audi-r15-plus-tdi-shows-off-new-more-aerodynamic-nose/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/15/audi-r15-plus-tdi-shows-off-new-more-aerodynamic-nose/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/15/audi-r15-plus-tdi-shows-off-new-more-aerodynamic-nose/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Audi R15 plus - click above to enlarge

Testing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans doesn't begin until mid-June, but that doesn't mean that Audi isn't already hard at work bettering the chances of their diesel-powered R15 TDI racer.

Thanks to a belated rule change for the LMP1 class designed to hamper the dominance of diesel-powered vehicles, Le Mans rulemakers have mandated smaller-diameter air restrictors and curbed supercharger pressure in an effort to level the playing field. According to Audi, those alterations have made the German automaker prioritize aerodynamics and downforce even more than normal.

The result? Audi boffins have completely re-engineered the front-end of the car, so much so that the new split nose racer has been designated "R15 plus." The updated LMP1 entrant has already begun testing its new aerodynamics, revised cooling and fuel tank systems in the United States, and further testing in Europe will follow before the legendary French enduro. Audi says that the 5.5-liter engine continues to crank out upwards of 590 horsepower. Can't remember what last year's R15 look like? Compare and contrast by clicking here. Official press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R15 "plus" TDI shows off new, more aerodynamic nose

Audi R15 "plus" TDI shows off new, more aerodynamic nose originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLemansaudi R15audi racecarAudi racingAudiR15AudiRacecarAudiRacingclean dieselCleanDieseldiesel race cardiesel racerdiesel racingDieselRaceCarDieselRacerDieselRacingLe MansLeMansLMP1R15R15 TDIR15TdiTDIMon, 15 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19399290/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/15/audi-r15-plus-tdi-shows-off-new-more-aerodynamic-nose/19399290/article-detail.xml 19399290 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/audimotorsport-r15plus-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/audimotorsport-r15plus-630.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin to run two works LMP1 cars at Le Mans, debut at Sebring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/02/aston-martin-to-run-two-works-lmp1-cars-at-le-mans-debut-at-seb/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/02/aston-martin-to-run-two-works-lmp1-cars-at-le-mans-debut-at-seb/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/02/aston-martin-to-run-two-works-lmp1-cars-at-le-mans-debut-at-seb/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lola-Aston Martin LMP1 - click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin announced its initial plans for the upcoming 2010 racing season which will continue to include a two car attack on the 24 hours of Le Mans. However, before they get to Le Mans, Aston will run three warm up races with one car going to the Le Mans Series opener at Paul Ricard in April and the other coming to the United States for the ALMS races at Sebring and Long Beach.

The Lola built coupes will again carry the traditional blue and orange Gulf livery on the track as they try to better last year's fourth place finish at Le Mans. The V12 powered Astons were the top finishing gasoline-fueled racers last year behind the Peugeots and Audis. The 2009 lineup of Chris Buncombe (GB), Stefan Mücke (DE), Harold Primat (CH) and Darren Turner (GB) will be joined this year by Adrian Fernandez who recently wound down his own Acura ALMS team.


Gallery: Lola-Aston-Martin LMP1


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin to run two works LMP1 cars at Le Mans, debut at Sebring

Aston Martin to run two works LMP1 cars at Le Mans, debut at Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLeMansaston martinaston martin lmp1aston martin lolaaston martin racingAstonMartinAstonMartinLmp1AstonMartinLolaAstonMartinRacingLe Mansle mans 2010Le Mans 24 HoursLe Mans SeriesLeMansLeMans2010LeMans24HoursLeMansSeriesTue, 02 Feb 2010 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19339842/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/02/aston-martin-to-run-two-works-lmp1-cars-at-le-mans-debut-at-seb/19339842/article-detail.xml 19339842 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/dg0_9465_22926986-7444-447a-98db-653ca0b1d21c-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/dg0_9465_22926986-7444-447a-98db-653ca0b1d21c-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Porsche could again challenge for overall Le Mans victory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/report-porsche-could-again-challenge-for-overall-le-mans-victor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/report-porsche-could-again-challenge-for-overall-le-mans-victor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/report-porsche-could-again-challenge-for-overall-le-mans-victor/#commentsFiled under: ,



You might think now that Porsche is firmly ensconced in the Volkswagen Group family, challenging Audi for overall victory at Le Mans isn't on the to-do list. Apparently, you would wrong. With 16 overall victories, Porsche has more wins at Le Mans than any other manufacturer. However, while Porsches have continued to do well in GT, the marque's last overall victory came in 1998. Plans to build a prototype early this decade were abandoned, although the V10 engine developed for it eventually found its way into the Carrera GT.

New Porsche CEO Michael Macht evidently wants more overall victories, and while Volkswagen will soon control Porsche, family member Ferdinand Piech is chairman of VW's supervisory board. With the resources of the group available, Porsche could develop a new car to go for number one. No timetable has been given, but this actually wouldn't be the first time that there has been an internal battle at Le Mans. Earlier in the decade, Bentley also ran a prototype coupe based on the Audi R8.

With the interest in promoting alternatives like diesel at Le Mans and Porsche soon to debut a hybrid, a prototype with a similar system is not beyond the realm of possibility.

[Source: AutoCar]

Report: Porsche could again challenge for overall Le Mans victory originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours24 Hours of Le Mans24 hours of lemans24Hours24HoursOfLeMansLe Mans 24 HoursLeMans24HoursPorsche Le MansPorsche911PorscheLeMansvolkswagenSat, 26 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19294247/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/26/report-porsche-could-again-challenge-for-overall-le-mans-victor/19294247/article-detail.xml 19294247 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/p00_9306_a5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/p00_9306_a5.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: McLaren at Le Mans: Pursuit of Perfection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/video-mclaren-at-le-mans-pursuit-of-perfection/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/video-mclaren-at-le-mans-pursuit-of-perfection/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/video-mclaren-at-le-mans-pursuit-of-perfection/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

McLaren F1 LM - click image above for high-res gallery

You know, we could have titled this one "Car Porn" and it would make as much sense. After the jump you'll find a few videos documenting the more than legendary McLaren F1's inaugural 1995 Le Mans effort. And while the car is without question beyond cool, you may not have actually lived until you watch Andy Wallace talk you through an entire qualifying lap of Le Mans, including Mulsanne's Corner. Which, as Andy explains, simply ain't what it used to be -- nowadays you take it at 180 mph, not 250 mph. And it gets better from there. Block out about forty minutes and just sit mouth agape and watch. Thank us later. Also -- Gordon Murray's hair totally rules. Four videos, after the jump.


Gallery: McLaren F1 LM


[Source: Cold Track Days]

Continue reading VIDEO: McLaren at Le Mans: Pursuit of Perfection

VIDEO: McLaren at Le Mans: Pursuit of Perfection originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of LeMans24HoursOfLemansGordon MurrayGordonMurrayLe MansLeMansMcLarenMcLaren F1McLaren F1 LMMclarenF1MclarenF1LmThu, 13 Aug 2009 10:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19127209/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/13/video-mclaren-at-le-mans-pursuit-of-perfection/19127209/article-detail.xml 19127209 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/mclarenf1lm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/mclarenf1lm.jpg <![CDATA[2009 24 Hours of Le Mans: Peugeot finally at the top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/14/2009-24-hours-of-le-mans-peugeot-takes-top-two-podiums/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/14/2009-24-hours-of-le-mans-peugeot-takes-top-two-podiums/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/14/2009-24-hours-of-le-mans-peugeot-takes-top-two-podiums/#commentsFiled under:



382 laps. 3,247 miles. 24 hours. If you haven't been following along, that's the recipe for Peugeot's first and second place finish at the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans. After a ten-minute stint in the pits, the No. 1 R15's fate was sealed, and when the checkered flag finally dropped, the Audi was seven laps behind the No. 9 Peugeot. But just as impressive asPeugeot's win (and its first-place standing since 9 pm last night) is the 007 Lola Aston Martin's fourth-place finish, the Corvette C6.R's complete and utter dominance of GT1 and the fact that every single GT2 car - including the No. 85 Spyker C8 Laviolette - beat out the lone Porsche 911 GT3 RSR after the three other 997s slowly succumbed to attrition. We're going to leave it to the analysts and commentators to pick apart how the race was won (or lost), but we will say that our first experience at Le Mans left us in awe of the competitors, the support teams and, most impressively, the mass of fans that descended on the circuit. It's a goosebump-inducing experience and needless to say, we highly recommend it. Time for a much-needed shower and some rest. Check the gallery below for plenty of photos from the finish and see the full standings here.


Gallery: 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans - Finish

2009 24 Hours of Le Mans: Peugeot finally at the top originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 24 hours of le mans2009 24 hours of lemans200924HoursOfLeMans24 hours of le mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLemansbreakingpeugeotSun, 14 Jun 2009 10:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19066721/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/14/2009-24-hours-of-le-mans-peugeot-takes-top-two-podiums/19066721/article-detail.xml 19066721 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/46-09-lemans-finish-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/46-09-lemans-finish-580op.jpg <![CDATA[2009 24 Hours of Le Mans: Late night/early morning]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/14/2009-24-hours-of-le-mans-late-night-early-morning/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/14/2009-24-hours-of-le-mans-late-night-early-morning/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/14/2009-24-hours-of-le-mans-late-night-early-morning/#commentsFiled under:


2009 24 Hours of Le Mans - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We managed to snag just over an hour's worth of sleep underneath the stairs of the Audi Arena after bouncing around the track in the early hours of the morning. Before dawn broke, two massive strings of racers were caught behind the safety cars for over 40 minutes after the No. 17 Pescarolo Peugeot shunted into the wall in one of the most violent crashes in recent Le Mans history. Reports about the driver's condition haven't been forthcoming, with the ACO only saying that he was conscious when the medical crew arrived. We haven't heard anything new, so if you have, let us know in the comments.

The Pescarolo joins 14 other cars that are officially out of the race, including the No. 2 Audi R15 from last night, the LMGT2 Lamborghini and the Flying Lizard Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.

With just under six hours left, the Peugeot Total team is continuing to hold off the Audi R15 currently piloted by Mr. Le Mans, Tom Kristensen, with the 007 Lola Aston Martin coming in six laps behind the R15, followed by the No. 11 Oreca AIM and the No. 14 R10. The two R10s are holding slots in the top ten, further proof that the older TDIs are still competitive in the field. The official timing is available at the Le Mans website, and we've posted another sizable batch of photos from late last night/early this morning. Our apologies for the photo quality (we're getting a bit loopy), but they should give you a feel for what Le Mans is like at night and what the next several hours hold for the competitors. We're off to acquire colossal amounts of carbs and coffee. More to follow.


Gallery: 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans - Night

2009 24 Hours of Le Mans: Late night/early morning originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 24 hours of le mans2009 24 hours of lemans200924HoursOfLeMans24 hours of le mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLeMansle mansLeMansSun, 14 Jun 2009 03:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19066644/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/14/2009-24-hours-of-le-mans-late-night-early-morning/19066644/article-detail.xml 19066644 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/60-09-leman-night-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/60-09-leman-night-580op.jpg <![CDATA[From the stands: 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans Driver Parade]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/from-the-stands-2009-24-hours-of-lemans-driver-parade/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/from-the-stands-2009-24-hours-of-lemans-driver-parade/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/from-the-stands-2009-24-hours-of-lemans-driver-parade/#commentsFiled under:


2009 24 Hours of LeMans Driver Parade - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Driver Parade at the 24 Hours of Le Mans combines the world's finest cars and top driving talent. It's a veritable wonderland for motorsports geeks, and with tens of thousands of people packed into the city's central square (think McQueen's entrance at the opening of Le Mans), next to the race itself, it's the biggest highlight of the weekend.

The parade kicked off with some varied exotic hotness, including appearances by a Caparo T1, Zenvo ST1, Tramontana R and the GTbyCitroen concept, the latter creating a glorious noise as it drove past the grandstand. Sprinkled in with the teams, drivers, awards and marching bands were a number of oddities and classics, including an appearance by the GT40 owner's club, the European Corvette club and, surprisingly, a crew of about 40 Harley-Davidsons - and that was just in the first 20 minutes of the two-hour event. Check out the massive, 100+ image gallery below to get a feel for the festivities.


Gallery: 2009 24hr LeMans Driver Parade

From the stands: 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans Driver Parade originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 24 hours of lemans200924HoursOfLemans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLemans24hr lemans24hrLemanslemansSat, 13 Jun 2009 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19066308/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/13/from-the-stands-2009-24-hours-of-lemans-driver-parade/19066308/article-detail.xml 19066308 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/003-09-lemans-driver-parade-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/003-09-lemans-driver-parade-580op.jpg <![CDATA[2009 24 Hours of Le Mans begins...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/2009-24hr-of-lemans-begins/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/2009-24hr-of-lemans-begins/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/2009-24hr-of-lemans-begins/#commentsFiled under:


2009 24 Hours of LeMans Start - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The green flag dropped a few moments ago on one of the hottest days in Le Mans history. The No. 8 and 7 Peugeots are in the top two slots, followed by McNish in the Audi R15. We're assembling a few galleries from yesterday's Driver Parade and our walk through the pits this morning, so stay tuned for more live action from LeMans.

UPDATE: The No. 3 Audi, piloted by Premat, during its third lap, although it didn't hit the wall. Damage seems minimal.

UPDATE 2: The Audis are trailing the Peugeots by between 3-4 seconds a lap.

UPDATE 3: Gallery of the start added. Best noises: Corvette rumble and Aston P1 high-pitched shriek.

UPDATE 4: The safety car is out after the Pescarolo Peugeot hit the works Peugeot in the pits. The tire is shredded, debris has coated the track and undoubtedly, the guy the waved the Peugeot out is being berated as you read this.


Gallery: 2009 24 Hours of Lemans - Start

2009 24 Hours of Le Mans begins... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 24 hours of lemans200724HoursOfLemans200924 hours of lemans24HoursOfLemans24hr of lemans24hrOfLemansbreakinglemansSat, 13 Jun 2009 09:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19066368/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/13/2009-24hr-of-lemans-begins/19066368/article-detail.xml 19066368 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/lemans-start_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/lemans-start.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot destroys Le Mans lap record in qualifying]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/peuegeot-destroys-le-mans-lap-record-in-qualifying/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/peuegeot-destroys-le-mans-lap-record-in-qualifying/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/peuegeot-destroys-le-mans-lap-record-in-qualifying/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The 76th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place this weekend, and just like last year, Audi and Peugeot will be duking it out in front with their diesel-powered LMP1 cars. The Audi R10 is a proven race machine, both durable and fast, but the Peugeot 908 has often times proved faster. Late yesterday at the first qualifying session for the endurance race, the 908 proved to be the fastest by far when it shattered the lap record at Le Mans by 7.8 seconds! The car was being driven by French driver Stephane Sarrazin, who man-handled the 908 around the track in 3 minutes and 18.513 seconds. A truly amazing feat, though what's more incredible is that the next five fastest times also beat the previous lap record, two of which were Audi R10s. Unfortunately, the second and third fastest times behind the fastest Peugeot 908 were two more Peugeot 908s. The Peugeot cars are clearly faster than the Audis so far in qualifying, but that was the case last year and Audi pulled out a win just like it has the past four years in a row. Unlike the Le Mans Series races where Peugeot has won the first three races so far this year, Le Mans is about endurance and Audi has proven seven out of the last eight years that it can last longer than the rest.

[Source: Reuters, Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty]

Peugeot destroys Le Mans lap record in qualifying originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLeMansaudi r10AudiR10le mans recordLeMansRecordpeugeot 908peugeot 908 hdiPeugeot908Peugeot908HdiThu, 12 Jun 2008 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1224048/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/06/12/peuegeot-destroys-le-mans-lap-record-in-qualifying/1224048/article-detail.xml 1224048 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/81537552_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/81537552_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi Tower to be unveiled at LeMans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/audi-tower-to-be-unveiled-at-lemans/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/audi-tower-to-be-unveiled-at-lemans/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/audi-tower-to-be-unveiled-at-lemans/#commentsFiled under: ,



Not many automakers have accomplished as much as Audi at LeMans. Though it only began competing at LeMans in 1999, the automaker has achieved six overall victories from its eight starts, including the first ever win for a diesel-powered car with its R10 last year. This Saturday before the start of the 75th running of the 24 Hours of LeMans, a 12-meter high sculpture will be unveiled in the circuit's "Village" to honor Audi's success in what many consider to be the most demanding race in the world.

Fourtitude has pics of the "Audi Tower" as it looks today, which appears encased inside a giant box shaped like, well, a 12-meter-tall tower. According to Audi, the actual sculpture features 24 rotating rings that light up between the tower's base and its top. There's also a video wall on the sculpture's front face, and its glass surface will be etched with the names of every driver to have ever won the 24 Hours of LeMans.

We're excited to see what this thing looks like, but have enough faith in Audi's aesthetic taste to expect a finely crafted work of art. You can check out a few more pics of the tower as it stands by clicking the Read link.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Audi Tower to be unveiled at LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLemansaudidedicatediesellandmarkr10sculpturevillageThu, 14 Jun 2007 15:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/918309/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/06/14/audi-tower-to-be-unveiled-at-lemans/918309/article-detail.xml 918309 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/012__scaled_600_008_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/012__scaled_600_008.jpg -1 2