Autoblog

Click above to view in high-resolution

Formula 3, for any racing fans who don't watch the feeder-formulas like football fans watch college pigskin, is one of the most important lower formulas in international motorsports. While NASCAR may have its own hierarchy, the vast majority of racing's most successful drivers have at some point passed through F3, making the aray of regional and national series operating around the world an important stepping-stone for aspiring F1 drivers.

Although technically Formula 3 does not mandate a uniform chassis (like Champ Cars, IndyCars, GP2, and A1GP do), Dallara's permeation of the series might as well be a complete monopoly. Dallara also the builds chassis for IndyCars, the World Series by Renault (which feeds into F3) and GP2 (the next step up from F3). It built the immensely successful R8 endurance racer for Audi and the first batch of the KTM X-bow, as well as consulting on the development of the Pagani Zonda and Ferrari 333 SP.

Dallara's new Formula 3 chassis, despite FIA-mandated restrictions, benefits from significantly improved aerodynamics as a result of many hours spent in wind-tunnels and in CFD simulators. The Dallara F308 is also more compact than its predecessor while conforming to new side-impact regulations. In addition to the usual suspension set-up, a new pushrod unit is available designed to minimize understeer, and the car comes equipped with Brembo's latest brake package.

With Formula Three grids growing around the world, and the F308 now conforming to Spanish and Italian regulations, Dallara expects to sell 70 cars for the 2008 season. Check out the press release after the jump for more details, and the gallery below for more high-resolution images.

[Source: Dallara]

Ariel Motor Company is releasing the third iteration of its mind-blowing track-tool, the Atom 3. And even though it may be hard to discern the changes, with a vehicle this minimalist, they're bound to have an effect.

The "exterior" gets new diagonal side rails and almost every body panel has been changed, including the addition of a new wind deflector that makes motoring at speed a bit more comfortable for its occupants. That, coupled with the increase in width by about 60 mm provides an additional 100 mm of elbowroom for passengers, who now sit slightly lower in the tub while simultaneously reducing the center of gravity.

Honda's latest 2.0-liter iVTEC-equipped Type-R motor sits behind the seats, while Bilstein 10-way adjustable dampers do their best to soak up bumps and ensure grip is all manner of conditions.

[Source: Car Design News]

Fifteen years and three generations on, the three-millionth Nissan Altima has been birthed at the Smyrna Tennessee plant. The Altima is Nissan's current sales champ, with diverse trim-level and power unit options, efficiency nuts and performance enthusiasts can both find something to love in the Altima. When it first debuted, we weren't all sure how exactly to pronounce its name – its predecessor was the easily articulated Stanza – but it was a tidy little compact with good manners and tasteful styling. My, how it's grown! The Altima has bulked up in size to Maxima-esque proportions, with edgy, stylish bodywork where there were once "bar of soap" cues, this ain't no mid-'90s compact anymore. The available 3.5-liter V6 has the motive force to outdo many comers, and the coupe version has even more speed baked into the style. On the flip side, the hybrid Altimas sip fuel more gently than the other powertrain options.

The Altima is produced in two locations, Smyrna being the first US Altima assembly plant in 1992, with Canton, Mississippi joining up in 2004. Smyrna pops out about 750 new Altimas per day, while Canton does nearly as many, at roughly 600. Altimas for export are also produced in Smyrna before they're shipped north to Canada, south to Mexico, or to Gulf Coast countries. So far this year, the export markets have consumed 20,000 of Smyrna's cars. Since its start as a Stanza stand-in, the Altima has gone on to become Nissan's bread and butter sedan – not too shabby.

The full press release is after the jump.

[Source: Nissan via TAC]

Those Bavarian wunderkind over at BMW just took the wraps off the latest 3-Series convertible, complete with folding hard-top. But even as impressive as the range-topping 335i is, what with its twin-turbo inline-six hitting the 300 mark in both horsepower and torque, there's yet more power underway: an all but completely undisguised M3 cabrio has been caught undergoing cold-weather testing way up north in Sweden, blasting past Saabs and Volvos.

Like the rest of the 3-Series convertible range, the M3 cabrio will feature a metal roof protecting four passengers from the elements and retracting at the push of a button to let the sunshine in. As with all M models, you'll be able to tell it apart from its more ordinary siblings by the wider fenders, sportier bumpers housing bigger air intakes and four exhaust tips, plus of course the requisite M badging. While the power bulge pictured on the hood is reportedly fake, under the hood is where the action is, where the M3 will pack a V8 pumping out over 400 horsepower, derived from the award-winning M5/6's V10 but with two cylinders lopped off. Power will be put down initially though BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) until the Bavarians are ready with their own anticipated dual-clutch gearbox.

Insiders predict the M3 coupe to bow at Frankfurt this coming September, but the convertible version probably won't be ready before 2008. Expect to take a penalty in both price and performance for the folding tin-top.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Women just can't resist a man in a 3-Series cabrio...or so BMW would have you believe. This ad is sure to put a smirk on your face, especially if you're a guy who drives a Bimmer, but not so much if you're his fiancé.

The ad follows a groom on his way to the church fighting off temptation and cold feet with a lead foot as beautiful women drop their garments from the balconies above. Dream or nightmare? Suppose that depends on your outlook on monogamy, but if you're looking for a "chick-magnet", this Bavarian motor works.

[Source: Winding Road]