Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![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/#commentsFiled 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 rsrporscheFri, 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[Baltimore Grand Prix collapsing under weight of debt?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/baltimore-grand-prix-collapsing-under-weight-of-debt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/baltimore-grand-prix-collapsing-under-weight-of-debt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/baltimore-grand-prix-collapsing-under-weight-of-debt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Baltimore Grand Prix

Maybe racing would stand on its own merits in an ideal utopia, but in the real world it has to make a business case for itself. So while the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix may have been a success in the purest sense of the term - bringing IndyCar, ALMS and several other series to the city's harbor front - financial woes could relegate it to history even faster than it came about... or the race cars that made it the spectacle it was.

The trouble, it seems, is between Baltimore Racing Development, which organized the event this past Labor Day, and the city in which it was held. Apparently BRD failed to pay all that was required by the municipality, and now city officials are demanding it pay up or get out of town.

According to reports, organizers owe city coffers some $1.5 million for services rendered, taxes and other expenses. Combined with the estimated $1.8 million it owes third parties, the Baltimore Grand Prix is looking at a huge debt that could take years to pay off, but if it doesn't get the chance to hold the remaining four races for which it's contracted, that debt could prove insurmountable.

Baltimore Grand Prix collapsing under weight of debt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesbaltimorebaltimore grand prixbaltimore indyindyindycarThu, 10 Nov 2011 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20102587/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/10/baltimore-grand-prix-collapsing-under-weight-of-debt/20102587/article-detail.xml 20102587 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/baltimore-gp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/baltimore-gp.jpg <![CDATA[ALMS joining Indycar at Belle Isle in 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/13/alms-joining-indycar-at-belle-isle-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/13/alms-joining-indycar-at-belle-isle-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/13/alms-joining-indycar-at-belle-isle-in-2013/#commentsFiled under:

Detroit Belle Isle aerial

The American Le Mans Series plans to join in on the racing fun in Detroit in 2013, says Scott Atherton, CEO of the racing series.

While we enjoyed being a very successful part of the renaissance of this great race on Belle Isle in 2007 and again in 2008, the 2012 Detroit race and the Le Mans test day next year share the same date on the calendar, creating a direct conflict which could not be resolved for 2012... In 2013 however, we foresee a resolution of the date conflict with the Le Mans test day.

Chevrolet announced that it was helping bring back the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix for 2012, saying the race will be held June 1-3. In lieu of the ALMS, the 2012 edition will be supported by the area's first Grand-Am race, as well as a Cadillac V-Series Challenge and an Indy Light race.

See the complete press release from the ALMS after the break.

Continue reading ALMS joining Indycar at Belle Isle in 2013

ALMS joining Indycar at Belle Isle in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms belle isleamerican le mans seriesbelle isledetroitdetroit grand prixThu, 13 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20080867/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/13/alms-joining-indycar-at-belle-isle-in-2013/20080867/article-detail.xml 20080867 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/belleisleaerial-2o1y0949-opt-1318521281_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/belleisleaerial-2o1y0949-opt-1318521281.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin earns first ALMS overall victory, BMW and Dyson lock up team championships at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/aston-martin-earns-first-alms-overall-victory-bmw-and-dyson-loc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/aston-martin-earns-first-alms-overall-victory-bmw-and-dyson-loc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/aston-martin-earns-first-alms-overall-victory-bmw-and-dyson-loc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ALMS at Laguna Seca

Aston Martin Racing hasn't had much success with their factory LMP1 program, finishing outside the top ten in their European Le Mans Series races this year and completing only a couple laps in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This past weekend, Aston Martin did manage to create a bright spot in its racing season with an overall victory at the six-hour ALMS race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca this past weekend. The 007 car drove to a commanding three-lap victory ahead of the Dyson Racing Mazda-powered Lola. The first place finish was the first overall ALMS victory for Aston Martin and the first for a British racing team.

While the Aston Martin may have won the race, Dyson Racing earned even more accolades by capturing the LMP1 class championship with its second-place finish at Laguna Seca. This is Dyson's first team championship since it earned the LMP675 crown in 2003. The BMW/RLL Team of Joey Hand and Dirk Müller also claimed the team championship in the GT class with their second place finish. Follow the jump for a full race recap courtesy of Mazda Raceway.

Continue reading Aston Martin earns first ALMS overall victory, BMW and Dyson lock up team championships at Laguna Seca

Aston Martin earns first ALMS overall victory, BMW and Dyson lock up team championships at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesaston martinaston martin racingmazda raceway laguna secaTue, 20 Sep 2011 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20046452/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/20/aston-martin-earns-first-alms-overall-victory-bmw-and-dyson-loc/20046452/article-detail.xml 20046452 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/alms-laguna-seca-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/alms-laguna-seca-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid takes to Laguna, electric tech bound for 2014 LeMans [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-takes-to-laguna-electric-tech-bound-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-takes-to-laguna-electric-tech-bound-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-takes-to-laguna-electric-tech-bound-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

We're in the final hours of the six-hour ALMS race here at Laguna Seca, and while the real battle is playing out between Mazda and Aston Martin in LMP1 and BMW and Corvette in the GT class, we're here to catch the west coast debut of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid.

After its first North American appearance at Road Atlanta last October and its impressive 22+ hour run at the Nurbürgring 24 race earlier this year, the Hybrid and its crew packed up and headed west for this second to last race of the season. While the Hybrid isn't a contender - it's running in an exhibition class of one since the tech isn't approved in the GT regulations - it continues to be a rolling and racing test-bed for Porsche's high-performance hybrid technology. And it's doing well.

So what's next for the tech? LeMans, of course.

UPDATE: The 911 GT3 R Hybrid outran the entire GT class by the end of the race, thanks partially to some blisteringly quick lap times, but primarily because the team only required three fuel stops compared to the rest of the field's five.

Continue reading Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid takes to Laguna, electric tech bound for 2014 LeMans [UPDATE]

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid takes to Laguna, electric tech bound for 2014 LeMans [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almslaguna secaporscheporsche 911 gt3 r hybridSat, 17 Sep 2011 21:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20045606/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/17/porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-takes-to-laguna-electric-tech-bound-fo/20045606/article-detail.xml 20045606 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-laguna-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-laguna-628.jpg <![CDATA[ALMS headed to Oklahoma City with new street race in May 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/alms-headed-to-oklahoma-city-with-new-street-race-in-may-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/alms-headed-to-oklahoma-city-with-new-street-race-in-may-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/alms-headed-to-oklahoma-city-with-new-street-race-in-may-2013/#commentsFiled under:

Oklahoma City

The American Le Mans Series is planning on expanding its calendar over the next few years with a number of new races held at new venues. And the first of the new additions is set to be held in Oklahoma City.

The race is earmarked for a new street course to be carved out of the city's Adventure District, to take place for the first time in May 2013, in between Mother's Day and Memorial Day. That should slot the event in between Long Beach in April and the main event at Le Mans that precedes the back-to-back races in July and August.

The last time the series visited this part of the country was at the 2007 Lone Star Grand Prix in Houston, when ALMS had its busiest calendar with 12 races. The Oklahoma City race is set to be joined by other new venues currently under consideration. Check out an official statement by the ALMS about the race after the jump.

Continue reading ALMS headed to Oklahoma City with new street race in May 2013

ALMS headed to Oklahoma City with new street race in May 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure districtalmsamerican le mans seriesoklahomaoklahoma cityoklahoma city street courseoklahoma city street raceWed, 11 May 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19935426/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/11/alms-headed-to-oklahoma-city-with-new-street-race-in-may-2013/19935426/article-detail.xml 19935426 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/oklahoma-city-skyline_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/oklahoma-city-skyline.jpg <![CDATA[See the streets of Long Beach through the eyes of Corvette Racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/video-see-the-streets-of-long-beach-through-the-eyes-of-corvett/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/video-see-the-streets-of-long-beach-through-the-eyes-of-corvett/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/video-see-the-streets-of-long-beach-through-the-eyes-of-corvett/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Corvette Racing Long Beach
Corvette Racing Long Beach - Click above to view video after the jump

Corvette Racing went into the ALMS round in Long Beach, California ready for a fight. Coming off of the long grind that is 12 Hours of Sebring, the two-hour slam around a concrete-lined street course promised a new challenge for the team and drivers. As promised, the race was a hard fight, demanding the drivers stay vicious and focused from beginning to end.

Despite a lackluster last-place qualifying effort for the number 3 machine, car number 4 managed a second-place grid spot. Ten minutes in, Corvette Racing had first place, though they were only able to hang on until around minute 40. Despite its less-than-desirable start, car 3 managed to work its way up the ranks to a respectable finish.

Both cars came away with the scars of an all-out street race, but managed to finish near the top of the heap. Corvette Racing now heads into LeMans with a renewed focus and the momentum of two positive results in California. Click past the break to see the team's results and get a closer look at the action.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading See the streets of Long Beach through the eyes of Corvette Racing

See the streets of Long Beach through the eyes of Corvette Racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet corvette c6.ralmsamerican lemans seriesc6.rcaliforniachevroletcorvettecorvette racinglong beachWed, 27 Apr 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19925289/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/27/video-see-the-streets-of-long-beach-through-the-eyes-of-corvett/19925289/article-detail.xml 19925289 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/corvette-racing-lb-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/corvette-racing-lb-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche sets the pace in ALMS with Panamera, Cayenne support vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/27/porsche-sets-the-pace-in-alms-with-panamera-cayenne-support-veh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/27/porsche-sets-the-pace-in-alms-with-panamera-cayenne-support-veh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/27/porsche-sets-the-pace-in-alms-with-panamera-cayenne-support-veh/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Porsche Panamera Turbo ALMS safety car
Porsche Panamera Turbo ALMS safety car - Click above for high-res image gallery

At any of the myriad Le Mans series races around the world, you're guaranteed to see more than a proportional sampling of Porsches. Those are usually one manner of 911 GT3 or another; less so Panameras and Cayennes, but the latest additions to the American Le Mans Series paddock are exactly those.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo has been selected as the official safety car for ALMS, outfitting a stock model with a dome light and special paint scheme. It's joined in its duties by a set of Cayennes that will act as medics' emergency response vehicles, a task to which the Porsche SUV is already perfectly accustomed. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: Porsche ALMS support vehicles


[Source: Porsche via World Car Fans]

Porsche sets the pace in ALMS with Panamera, Cayenne support vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms safety caramerican le mans seriescayennepanameraporscheporsche cayenneporsche panamera turboPorsche Panamera Turbo ALMS safety carsafety carSun, 27 Mar 2011 11:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19887599/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/27/porsche-sets-the-pace-in-alms-with-panamera-cayenne-support-veh/19887599/article-detail.xml 19887599 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-panamera-alms_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-panamera-alms.jpg <![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: 2011 12 Hours of Sebring in the books]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/20/spoiler-alert-2011-12-hours-of-sebring-in-the-books/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/20/spoiler-alert-2011-12-hours-of-sebring-in-the-books/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/20/spoiler-alert-2011-12-hours-of-sebring-in-the-books/#commentsFiled under: ,

12 Hours of Sebring 2011
2011 12 Hours of Sebring - Click above for image gallery

The 2011 running of the historic 12 Hours of Sebring is officially over, and the results show some old-hat veterans and surprise newcomers on the podium. There was plenty of action to be had across the classes, including some impressive comebacks and debuts.

Click past the jump for a full race recap and the results of the 2011 12 Hours of Sebring.


Gallery: 2011 12 Hours of Sebring


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: 2011 12 Hours of Sebring in the books

Spoiler Alert: 2011 12 Hours of Sebring in the books originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 hours2011almsamerican lemans seriesSegaSun, 20 Mar 2011 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19885408/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/20/spoiler-alert-2011-12-hours-of-sebring-in-the-books/19885408/article-detail.xml 19885408 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/sebring122011lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/sebring122011lead.jpg <![CDATA[Video: How the Chevy Corvette ALMS engines are built]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/20/video-how-the-chevy-corvette-alms-engines-are-built/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/20/video-how-the-chevy-corvette-alms-engines-are-built/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/20/video-how-the-chevy-corvette-alms-engines-are-built/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 ALMS Corvette
2011 ALMS Corvette racing engine - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Chevrolet Corvettes that do battle in the American LeMans Series are, at first glance, acres removed from their street-dwelling cousins. Beneath the skin, though, the two cars are more similar than you might think, given their differing purposes.

For starters, Chevrolet uses similar engine architecture for both cars. The ALMS Vettes use the exact same block that goes into the Corvette Z06. That's where the similarities end. The racing engine is limited to two 28-mm air intakes in a bid to level the GT Class playing field. The ALMS engines are also limited to 5.5 liters of displacement, versus the production car's 7.0 liters.

Though the means may be different, the end is the same: maximized power and efficiency. Chevrolet develops and builds its racing engines in-house, to try and insure that some of the technology that goes into its endurance racers makes it into its street cars. To hear Chevrolet tell it, check out the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: How the Chevy Corvette ALMS engines are built

Video: How the Chevy Corvette ALMS engines are built originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet corvettealmsamerican lemans serieschevroletcorvettesebringz06Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19885049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/20/video-how-the-chevy-corvette-alms-engines-are-built/19885049/article-detail.xml 19885049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/corvette-racing-engine_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/corvette-racing-engine.jpg <![CDATA[Get your spotter's guide for this weekend's 12 Hours of Sebring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/get-your-spotters-guide-for-this-weekends-12-hours-of-sebring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/get-your-spotters-guide-for-this-weekends-12-hours-of-sebring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/get-your-spotters-guide-for-this-weekends-12-hours-of-sebring/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Twelve Hours of Sebring spotter's guide
2011 Twelve Hours of Sebring spotter's guide - Click above for high-resolution pages

The 2011 American Le Mans racing season gets underway in earnest this weekend with the 12 Hours of Sebring. The endurance race run on Floridian tarmac is one of the most iconic in the world, and always draws a mouthwatering array of racing machinery. This year's event will be no exception, the latest Le Mans Prototypes scything their way through the myriad 911 GT3s and more.

The first practice sessions saw the new Audi R15+ TDI topping the charts, followed by the Peugeot 908 and Aston Martin Lola B08. PR1 Mathiasen M/Sport's Oreca FLM09 topped the new LMPC class in practice, quickly followed by the new Signatech Nissan LMP2, while Risi Competizione's new Ferrari 458 GTC was the quickest of the GT sportscars.

With so many cars on the grid - and many of them looking rather similar, especially in a speeding blur - you'll need a good spotter's guide if you're watching to tell the difference between them. Fortunately, SpotterGuides.com has hooked us up with the pages we've placed in the gallery below in full resolution for your reference.

Actually watching the race this year will be a new experience for many, as the round-the-clock event won't be covered live on TV in its entirety. Instead a new deal with ABC and ESPN provides a mix of televised and online coverage: You'll be able to watch the full race online (as well as Friday's qualifying sessions) on ESPN3.com, which you can also stream through your XBox.

ABC will air a recap from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), which ESPN2 will show again on Tuesday, March 22. Those outside the U.S., meanwhile, will be able to watch live on americanlemans.com.


Gallery: 2011 Twelve Hours of Sebring spotter's guide


[Sources: SpotterGuides.com, Sebring]

Get your spotter's guide for this weekend's 12 Hours of Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 hours of sebringalmsamerican le mans seriesintercontinental le mans cuple manssebringtwelve hours of sebringFri, 18 Mar 2011 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19882882/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/18/get-your-spotters-guide-for-this-weekends-12-hours-of-sebring/19882882/article-detail.xml 19882882 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-alms11sebringpg1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-alms11sebringpg1.jpg <![CDATA[Risi Competizione struts its new Ferrari 458 GTC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/risi-competizione-struts-its-new-ferrari-458-gtc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/risi-competizione-struts-its-new-ferrari-458-gtc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/risi-competizione-struts-its-new-ferrari-458-gtc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Risi Competizione Ferrari 458 GTC
Risi Competizione Ferrari 458 GTC - Click above for high-res image gallery

While competing for top honors in Formula One, Ferrari has left the top tiers of Le Mans racing up to the competition. But down in the GT2 class, the Prancing Horse marque has had considerable success. And much of that success has been had at the hands of Risi Competizione. The Houston-based team has taken innumerable class victories in both the American Le Mans Series and in the 24 Hours itself, these last few years with the F430 GT2. But now that it's got its hands on the new racing-spec 458 Italia, all bets are off.

As with the rest of the new crop of challengers - like the new Honda ARX-01e, for example - Risi will be fielding the new 458 GTC this weekend at Sebring. But before the Floridian endurance race kicks off, taking with it the start of the new season, Ferrari and Risi have had a bit of development work to do. Fortunately they brought a photographer along with them, and you can check out the results in the gallery below.


Gallery: Risi Competizione Ferrari 458 GTC


[Source: Risi Competizione via Jon Sibal | Images: Regis Lefebure/Risi]

Risi Competizione struts its new Ferrari 458 GTC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 gtc458 italia458gtalmsamerican le mans seriesferrariFerrari 458 GTCle mansRisi CompetizioneRisi Competizione Ferrari 458 GTCsebringThu, 17 Mar 2011 18:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19882441/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/17/risi-competizione-struts-its-new-ferrari-458-gtc/19882441/article-detail.xml 19882441 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-risi-458_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-risi-458.jpg <![CDATA[Honda Performance Development unveils new ARX-01e LMP1 racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/16/honda-performance-development-unveils-new-arx-01e-lmp1-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/16/honda-performance-development-unveils-new-arx-01e-lmp1-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/16/honda-performance-development-unveils-new-arx-01e-lmp1-racer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Highcroft HPD ARX-01e
Highcroft HPD ARX-01e - Click above for high-res image gallery

After four years of dominating the LMP2 class in the American Le Mans Series, Highcroft Racing is stepping up the big leagues this year, and this is the car with which they aim to do it.

The new ARX-01e uses the same basic chassis and engine as the LMP2 car on which it's based, but features a heavily revised aerodynamics package for a significantly different form. The 3.4-liter V8 engine now also benefits from a larger air restrictor for more power.

Developed by Wirth Research, the ARX-01e ditches last year's Acura branding for Honda Racing Development (HPD). And with former sponsor Tequila Patron stepping up to title-sponsor the ALMS series as a whole, Highcroft's ARX-01e is being used by Michelin to promote its latest performance street tires.

The car recently underwent its first shakedown at Sebring, which it's set to take on later this week at the famous 12-hour race. Check out the high-resolution images in the gallery below for a closer look and the details in the press release after the jump for more.


Gallery: Highcroft HPD ARX-01e


[Source: Highcroft Racing]

Continue reading Honda Performance Development unveils new ARX-01e LMP1 racer

Honda Performance Development unveils new ARX-01e LMP1 racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesarx-01arx-01ehighcrofthighcroft racinghondahonda performance developmenthonda racinghpdle manssebringwirth researchWed, 16 Mar 2011 16:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19878663/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/16/honda-performance-development-unveils-new-arx-01e-lmp1-racer/19878663/article-detail.xml 19878663 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-highcroftarx-02e_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-highcroftarx-02e.jpg <![CDATA[Report: ALMS race to join Indy Car in Baltimore]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/report-alms-race-to-join-indy-car-in-baltimore/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/report-alms-race-to-join-indy-car-in-baltimore/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/report-alms-race-to-join-indy-car-in-baltimore/#commentsFiled under:

Baltimore

The inaugural Baltimore IndyCar race set for Labor Day weekend next year has a new friend: the American Le Mans Series. ALMS will host a race the day before the IndyCars race, with trials being run the same day as IndyCar qualifying. Nothing else has been revealed at the moment, with the folks in charge, Baltimore Racing Development, having scheduled a press conference for September 2 to officially announce the double bill.

This will mark the first time in nine years that ALMS visits the D.C. area, and if ALMS communications director Bob Dickinson gets his way, it could be first opportunity for U.S. racing fans to watch the Peugeot 908 diesel-hybrid running the series in anger. Hat tip to hoov23

[Source: Baltimore Sun]

Report: ALMS race to join Indy Car in Baltimore originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesAmericanLeMansSeriesbaltimoreindycarMon, 30 Aug 2010 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19612351/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/30/report-alms-race-to-join-indy-car-in-baltimore/19612351/article-detail.xml 19612351 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/baltimoreindycaralms_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/baltimoreindycaralms.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 order books open for 2011 race season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/12/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt3-order-books-open-for-2011-race-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/12/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt3-order-books-open-for-2011-race-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/12/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt3-order-books-open-for-2011-race-season/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The full-on competition version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is now officially available to order for race teams in preparation for the 2011 season. Mercedes-Benz will start delivering the GT3-class race cars in February of 2011, leaving plenty of time for teams to do their own preseason testing.

The GT3 class for production based sports cars is truly heating up these days with Mercedes joining Audi, BMW and, of course, Porsche. The American Le Mans Series has dipped its toe into GT3 waters this year as well with the GT Challenge class. At present, GT Challenge is currently limited to Porsche 911s but hopefully, Porsche will open it up to other GT3 contenders.

AMG and HWA AG are developing and producing the SLS GT3, and track testing began in June with veteran Mercedes-Benz DTM and GT driver Bernd Schnieder at the wheel. Before customer deliveries begin, the SLS will appear in some VLN endurance series races at the Nürburgring Nordschleife later this year. The SLS AMG GT3 costs €334,000 before value added taxes (about $430,000 U.S.). Check out the official press release after the break.


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 order books open for 2011 race season

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 order books open for 2011 race season originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsgt3mercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz sls amg gt3Mercedes SLS AMGmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgMercedes-benzSlsAmgMercedesBenzMercedesBenzSlsAmgGt3MercedesSlsAmgThu, 12 Aug 2010 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19589114/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/12/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt3-order-books-open-for-2011-race-season/19589114/article-detail.xml 19589114 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/78951414473864106251010c885089-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/78951414473864106251010c885089-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: 2010 ALMS Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/08/spoiler-alert-2010-alms-mid-ohio-sports-car-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/08/spoiler-alert-2010-alms-mid-ohio-sports-car-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/08/spoiler-alert-2010-alms-mid-ohio-sports-car-challenge/#commentsFiled under:

Mid-Ohio 2010
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge - Click above for high-res image gallery

The American Le Mans Series was back in action this weekend at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and as usual the action was hot and heavy on the track. In the Friday qualifying session Johnny Cocker set a storming pace in the Drayson Racing Lola-Judd. Cocker's best lap was 0.932 seconds quicker than the isobutanol-fueled Lola-Mazda of Chris Dyson. The current LMP championship leading HPD ARX-01c of Simon Pagenaud was third, another four-tenths of a second back.

In the GT class, it was red leading yellow as the two Risi Ferrari F430 GTs edged out the two Corvette C6.Rs. During practice on Thursday, Greg Pickett had a massive crash in his Cytosports Porsche RS Spyder. Fortunately, he walked away, although he did sustain a back injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Read on after the jump for race results.


Gallery: American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio 2010


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: 2010 ALMS Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge

Spoiler Alert: 2010 ALMS Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms mid-ohioAlmsMid-ohioamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican le mans series 2010american le mans series presented by tequila patronamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeries2010AmericanLeMansSeriesPresentedByTequilaPatronSun, 08 Aug 2010 14:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19585046/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/08/spoiler-alert-2010-alms-mid-ohio-sports-car-challenge/19585046/article-detail.xml 19585046 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/gtlmm3gtr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/gtlmm3gtr.jpg <![CDATA[Video: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 rolls into Jay Leno's Garage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/video-2010-porsche-911-gt3-rolls-into-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/video-2010-porsche-911-gt3-rolls-into-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/video-2010-porsche-911-gt3-rolls-into-jay-lenos-garage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Porsche's 911 GT3 pays a visit to Jay Leno's Garage - click above to watch the video

Porsche recently dropped off a new 911 GT3 at Jay Leno's garage where racer Justin Bell picked it up for a bit of a road trip. Before the trip, Leno and Bell discuss their preference for normally aspirated manual transmission Porsches over the more powerful turbos and dual-clutch PDKs.

On his way to Laguna Seca for the spring American Le Mans Series event, Bell finds a perfect little road for his own private hill climb and gushes over the responsiveness of the non-turbo engine and enormous Brembo binders. At Laguna, Bell hooks up with factory pilot Patrick Long to discuss the differences between the Flying Lizard Motorsports 911 he races and the roadgoing GT3 which spawned it. Even within the limits of the rules set out by the ACO, Flying Lizard and Porsche have managed to find a lot of creative ways to extract more speed out of their competition machine. Check out the full video after the jump.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 rolls into Jay Leno's Garage

Video: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 rolls into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 Porsche 911 GT32010Porsche911Gt3911911 GT3911Gt3ALMSamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesFlying LizardFlying Lizard MotorsportsFlying Lizard Porsche 911 GT3 RSRS ALMS racerflying lizardsFlyingLizardFlyingLizardMotorsportsFlyingLizardPorsche911Gt3RsrsAlmsRacerFlyingLizardsjay lenojay lenos garageJayLenoJayLenosGaragejustin bellJustinBelllaguna secaLaguna Seca RacewayLagunaSecaLagunaSecaRacewaylenoleno garageLenoGaragelenos garageLenosGaragepatrick longPatrickLongPorscheporsche 911porsche 911 gt3Porsche911Porsche911Gt3Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19573202/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/29/video-2010-porsche-911-gt3-rolls-into-jay-lenos-garage/19573202/article-detail.xml 19573202 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/leno-gt3_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/leno-gt3.png <![CDATA[Sibal renders Ferrari 458 GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/22/sibal-renders-ferrari-458-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/22/sibal-renders-ferrari-458-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/22/sibal-renders-ferrari-458-gt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ferrari 458 GT by Jon Sibal - Click above for high-res image

Brace yourself for big ol' dose of sexy. Ferrari hasn't exactly made a secret that this is the last year for the F430 GT in the American Le Mans Series. With its days numbered, more than a few souls have begun meditating on what will come next for the Prancing Horse's ALMS teams. Most have settled on the notion that the new 458 Italia will make its way to the paddock in race guise, resulting in a 458 GT. Fortunately for us, one of those contemplative souls just happens to be the design guru Jon Sibal.

Sibal worked up a quick rendering of what the new bruiser would look like, and we have to say we're smitten. The lunging lines of 458 Italia lend themselves well to an even more low-slung race stance. Throw in a few aerodynamic tweaks, a new set of shoes and proper rubber and you've got a genuine heart throb. Sibal says the rendering is just a quick shot at what the car looks like - we'd can't wait to see what happens when he takes his time with the car.

[Source: Jonsibal]

Sibal renders Ferrari 458 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 GT458GtALMSAmerican Le Mans SeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesF430F430 GTF430GtFerrariFerrari 458 GTFerrari 458 ItaliaFerrari F430 GTFerrari458GtFerrari458ItaliaFerrariF430GtGTJon SibalJonSibalRenderingThu, 22 Jul 2010 19:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19564741/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/22/sibal-renders-ferrari-458-gt/19564741/article-detail.xml 19564741 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/458-gt-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/458-gt-630.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid to run at Petit Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/21/porsche-911-gt3r-hybrid-to-run-at-peti/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/21/porsche-911-gt3r-hybrid-to-run-at-peti/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/21/porsche-911-gt3r-hybrid-to-run-at-peti/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Porsche911 GT3R hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, Porsche announced today in New York that the 911 GT3R hybrid will be coming to North America later this year to race in the Petit Le Mans (PLM). When the new flywheel hybrid race car was first announced this past spring, Porsche told us that it would make a decision about running in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) after evaluating the new car's performance during its early races in Europe. After coming within two hours of winning the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May, it was clear that the 25-percent fuel economy boost and extra power was more than enough to make up for the added weight of the hybrid drive.

Since the Automobile Club de l'Ouest has yet to finalize the technical rules for hybrid GT cars, the Porsche will run unclassified at Road Atlanta on October 2. The Georgia race will be the North American round for the inaugural Le Mans Intercontinental Cup. Following the PLM, Porsche will take the car to Zuhai, China for the Asian round on November 7. No announcement has been made yet about running in the European round at Silverstone in the UK in September.

The 911 GT3R hybrid has a 480-horsepower flat-six driving the rear wheels and a pair of 60-kilowatt electric motors for the front wheels. The motors recapture kinetic energy during braking and store it in an electromechanical flywheel mechanism. The flywheel can release energy back to the motors automatically during cruising or the driver can press a boost button on the steering wheel for extra power on demand for passing.


Gallery: 24 Hours of Nurburgring: Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid to run at Petit Le Mans

Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid to run at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms green challengeAlmsGreenChallengeamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican le mans series 2010american le mans series green challengeamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeries2010AmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengeLe Mans intercontinental cupLeMansIntercontinentalCupPetit Le MansPetitLeMansPorscheporsche 911porsche 911 gt3 hybridPorsche 911 GT3 R HybridPorsche911Porsche911Gt3HybridPorsche911Gt3RHybridZhuhaiWed, 21 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19562523/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/21/porsche-911-gt3r-hybrid-to-run-at-peti/19562523/article-detail.xml 19562523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/m101013fine-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/m101013fine-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Comparing the American Le Mans Series to NASCAR, IndyCar for relevance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/comparing-the-american-le-mans-series-to-nascar-indycar-for-rel/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/comparing-the-american-le-mans-series-to-nascar-indycar-for-rel/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/comparing-the-american-le-mans-series-to-nascar-indycar-for-rel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Peugeot 908-HY hybrid prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Since early 2008, ALMS has been touting itself as the "Leader in green racing." We decided to take a look at the biggest series in North America and compare the efforts of each when it comes to alternative fuels and drivetrains. In many respects, NASCAR is actually the most alternative series around right now - but hardly forward-looking. After all, NASCAR still uses carburetors and just switched from leaded to unleaded gasoline a couple of years ago.

Similarly, while IndyCars switched from methanol to ethanol a few years back, there isn't much else about open wheel race cars that can be called relevant to manufacturers. ALMS GT class cars on the other hand are actually derived from production models. The combination of GT and LMP cars are now or have recently been running on five different fuel/drive combinations including diesel, E10, cellulosic E85, biobutanol, and E10/hybrids. Later this season, the Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid that nearly won the recent 24 hours of Nurburgring is expected to join the ALMS ranks and ALMS communications director Bob Dickinson told us that he hopes to see Peugeot's 908 diesel-hybrid, perhaps as soon the next Sebring race in March 2011. Check out the full chart after the jump.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Peugeot 908 hy


Gallery: Corsa Motorsports Ginetta-Zytek 09HS


Gallery: 24 Hours of Nurburgring: Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid

Continue reading Comparing the American Le Mans Series to NASCAR, IndyCar for relevance

Comparing the American Le Mans Series to NASCAR, IndyCar for relevance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms butanolalms green challengeAlmsButanolAlmsGreenChallengeamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican le mans series 2010american le mans series green challengeamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeries2010AmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengegreen racingGreenRacingindycarindycar seriesIndycarSeriesnascarMon, 07 Jun 2010 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19496047/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/07/comparing-the-american-le-mans-series-to-nascar-indycar-for-rel/19496047/article-detail.xml 19496047 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/peugeot-908hy-1280-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/peugeot-908hy-1280-1.jpg -1 2