Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ginetta developing all-new G40 for the road and track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/ginetta-developing-all-new-g40-for-the-road-and-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/ginetta-developing-all-new-g40-for-the-road-and-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/ginetta-developing-all-new-g40-for-the-road-and-track/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ginetta G40 - Click above to view in high resolution

Race cars are usually designed one of two ways. Either a company's engineers take an existing road car and adapt it towards racing (as with most touring, GT racing and rally cars, for example) or they start with a clean sheet of paper and design a race car from the ground up (as they do for Formula One and Le Mans prototypes). Ginetta appears to be taking a different approach, however. The British sportscar manufacturer has announced the development of a new product, dubbed G40, to slot below the G50 in its road car lineup - but there's a competition-spec model planned right from the start.

Few details have been released on the G40's specifications, but Ginetta does say that it will be powered by a 1.8-liter Ford Zetec inline-four and should weigh in at about 850 kg (1874 pounds), pack two seats and exceed FIA regulations for crashworthiness.

On the track, the G40 will be used in the Ginetta Junior Championship - a British one-make racing series for racers between the ages of 14 and 17, currently campaigned with purpose-built Ginetta Juniors in support races for the British Touring Car Championship. The G40 could also be made ready for GT4 racing as well.

Just 20 examples are planned for the first batch, and the G40 will start at £24,950 (around $40,600 USD). Interested? You can learn more by checking out the official press release after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Sean.

[Source: Ginetta]

Continue reading Ginetta developing all-new G40 for the road and track

Ginetta developing all-new G40 for the road and track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british touring car championshipBritishTouringCarChampionshipbtccg40ginettaginetta g40ginetta juniorginetta junior championshipGinettaG40GinettaJuniorGinettaJuniorChampionshipWed, 02 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Premature Ejaculation - When fire suppression systems attack]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/video-premature-ejaculation-when-fire-suppression-systems-att/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/video-premature-ejaculation-when-fire-suppression-systems-att/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/video-premature-ejaculation-when-fire-suppression-systems-att/#commentsFiled under: , ,

WTCC BMW 320si - click above to watch the video

My my, this is embarrassing. During a full course yellow, Jonathan Adam is all set to get interviewed when KA-BLAMO! - the fire suppression system in his WTCC BTCC BMW 320si goes haywire, dousing him with loads of sticky goop.

It isn't immediately clear if Adam inadvertently triggered the safety system himself, or if the foamy shower was visited upon him thanks to a mechanical defect. Either way, check out the full video of a very sad and sticky Mr. Adam after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Axis of Oversteer]

Continue reading VIDEO: Premature Ejaculation - When fire suppression systems attack

VIDEO: Premature Ejaculation - When fire suppression systems attack originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>320siBMWBMW 320siBmw320siBTCCextinguisherfire safetyfire suppressionFireSafetyFireSuppressionJonathan AdamJonathanAdamtouring carTouringCarWTCCWed, 19 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Johnny Herbert switches to driving Honda Civics in the UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/johnny-herbert-switches-to-driving-honda-civics-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/johnny-herbert-switches-to-driving-honda-civics-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/johnny-herbert-switches-to-driving-honda-civics-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Most F1 drivers fall off the map once they leave the pinnacle of motorsports, but they have to go somewhere. In Johnny Herbert's case, that somewhere has been sportscar racing. The former Grand Prix and Le Mans winner retired from Formula One in 2000 after driving for such teams as Benetton, Lotus, Sauber and Jaguar. He's since raced for Aston Martin and Audi at Le Mans and in the American Le Mans Series, but after the Speedcar Series that he won last year shut down, the accomplished pilot was left without a ride.

According to sources, Herbert will shortly announce his move to the British Touring Car Championship with Team Dynamics, the outfit that won the series titles in 2005 and 2006. Johnny showed up at Goodwood this year to drive up the hill in one of the team's Honda Civic touring cars (pictured at right), fueling speculation of his selection to replace James Thompson, who is increasing his activities in the World Touring Car Championship as well as Denmark's and the V8 Supercars series in Australia. Herbert could be in Thompson's seat as early as the Silverstone BTCC race later this month in advance of a full-time drive for next season.

[Source: GrandPrix.com | Image: Team Dynamics via Facebook]

Johnny Herbert switches to driving Honda Civics in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british touring car championshipBritishTouringCarChampionshipbtcchonda civicHondaCivicjohnny herbertJohnnyHerbertteam dynamicsTeamDynamicsFri, 14 Aug 2009 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Fifth Gear</i> pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/video-i-fifth-gear-i-pits-ford-focus-rs-vs-mitsubishi-evo-x/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/video-i-fifth-gear-i-pits-ford-focus-rs-vs-mitsubishi-evo-x/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/video-i-fifth-gear-i-pits-ford-focus-rs-vs-mitsubishi-evo-x/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

Yesterday, we showed you Fifth Gear's take on the new Audi R8 V10 - notable more for their footage of the gorgeous blue test car than for much in the way of actual performance driving and analysis. In an effort to correct that oversight, we've found you another clip of the UK television show that features not just one enthusiast car - but two cars, Ford's stonking new Focus RS and the Mitsubishi Evolution X. Better still, the fearsome twosome tangle on the track in a pair of tests with hot shoes Tiff Needell and BTCC champion Jason Plato at the wheel.

It's a scrap as the touring car scion takes on the rally-bred hero, so check out the front-drive versus all-wheel-drive pocket rocket madness after the jump.


Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)


[Source: Fifth Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X

VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BTCCevo xevolution xEvolutionXEvoXFifth GearFifthGearFocus RSFocusRsFord FocusFord Focus RSFord RSFordFocusFordFocusRsFordRsJason PlatoJasonPlatoMitsubishi EVOMitsubishi EVO XMitsubishi EvolutionMitsubishiEvoMitsubishiEvolutionMitsubishiEvoXTiff NeedellTiffNeedellFri, 12 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Vauxhall withdraws from British Touring Car Championship after 20 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/vauxhall-withdraws-from-british-touring-car-championship-after-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/vauxhall-withdraws-from-british-touring-car-championship-after-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/vauxhall-withdraws-from-british-touring-car-championship-after-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,



By most accounts, the mantra of "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday" hasn't worked for a long time. In fact, we're not sure it ever worked. But there were certainly happier times for motorsports fans when the automakers blissfully adhered to that age-old nugged. Unfortunately blissful ignorance isn't the best game plan at this stage - especially for any General Motors divisions - which could go a long way towards explaining why so many automakers have been canceling their factory racing programs recently. The latest to leave the track, British motorsport fans will be saddened to learn - is Vauxhall.

The British automaker has been competing in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for 20 years now, and with its partner Triple Eight Race Engineering racing under the VX Racing banner, had achieved an insurmountable dominance of the saloon car racing series in claiming the title seven out of the last eight years, racking up 100 race wins along the way. Unfortunately, desperate times call for desperate measures, and that dominance will come to an end after this season is over. Will a future Vauxhall teamed up with Opel under new management find its way back to the BTCC? Only time will tell, but Vauxhall is leaving the door open just in case. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Vauxhall withdraws from British Touring Car Championship after 20 years

Vauxhall withdraws from British Touring Car Championship after 20 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british touring car championshipBritishTouringCarChampionshipbtcctriple eighttriple eight race engineeringTripleEightTripleEightRaceEngineeringvauxhallvauxhall btccvauxhall vx racingvauxhall vxrVauxhallBtccVauxhallVxrVauxhallVxRacingvxvx racingvxrVxRacingTue, 21 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jason Plato makes epic save during BTCC race at Brands Hatch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/video-jason-plato-makes-epic-save-during-btcc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/video-jason-plato-makes-epic-save-during-btcc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/video-jason-plato-makes-epic-save-during-btcc/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view the video after the jump

Those of you familiar with Fifth Gear have undoubtedly enjoyed Tiff Needell and Jason Plato's powersliding shootouts, and at this weekend's British Touring Car Championship, Plato had the opportunity to show off his sideways skills at Brands Hatch.

At the beginning of the second lap, Plato was leading in his Lacetti as Jonathan Adams in the #12 BMW came up strong behind him. The two drivers entered the Paddock Hill Bend and Adams, who apparently misjudged the braking pointing, slammed into the left side of Plato's bumper, causing the Lacetti to rotate nearly 90-degrees. Plato kept the throttle planted, had the steering at full lock and was able to recover from the slide with the kind of minimalist drama only a seasoned veteran (in a front-driver) can deliver.

The BTCC organizers eventually penalized Adams four seconds, delivering the win to Plato. Check the video of Jason's epic save after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Jason Plato makes epic save during BTCC race at Brands Hatch

VIDEO: Jason Plato makes epic save during BTCC race at Brands Hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brands hatchBrandsHatchbritish touring car championshipBritishTouringCarChampionshipbtccjason platoJasonPlatojonathan adamsJonathanAdamspowerslidesaveMon, 06 Apr 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[ Ką for UK: SEAT Leon Cupra Ką]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/k-for-uk-seat-leon-cupra-k/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/k-for-uk-seat-leon-cupra-k/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/k-for-uk-seat-leon-cupra-k/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SEAT Leon Cupra Ką
Click image for a hi-res gallery of the SEAT Leon Cupra K&sup1;

Every so often, we wish that Volkswagen's SEAT brand was available here in the US. Sure, the Spanish automaker's vehicles are badge-engineering exercises that raid the corporate partsbin for powertrains, switchgear, and the like, but their styling is unique and some of the packages have definite appeal.

SEAT Leon Cupra KąTake, for instance, the just-announced UK-market Leon Cupra K&sup1;. With the stylish Leon Cupra as its base, the K&sup1; adds an appearance package that is, to put it plainly, pretty bitchin'. Intended to make the car look more like the Cupra BTCC racers, the kit includes new front and rear treatments, side skirts, and a sweet-looking center-exit exhaust. We think the K&sup1; kit is actually better-looking than the BTCC bodywork. Like its standard-bodied counterpart, the K&sup1; gets power from a 240 PS (236 HP) version of VW's 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder. That's good enough to give the Cupra a top speed of 153 mph. Hot hatch, indeed.

Press release with UK pricing after the jump.

Gallery: Seat Leon Cupra K1


[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading Ką for UK: SEAT Leon Cupra Ką

Ką for UK: SEAT Leon Cupra Ką originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BTCCCupracupra K1CupraK1K1leon cupraLeonCupraSEATSEAT LeonSeatLeonWed, 27 Feb 2008 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Jason Plato injured when Caparo T1 bursts into flames at 150 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/jason-plato-injured-when-caparo-t1-bursts-into-flames-at-150-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/jason-plato-injured-when-caparo-t1-bursts-into-flames-at-150-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/jason-plato-injured-when-caparo-t1-bursts-into-flames-at-150-mph/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Jason Plato, BTCC champion and Fifth Gear presenter, found himself in the midst of a Caparo T1 barbeque while testing the new supercar at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire. According to Plato, he noticed a loss of power while traveling upwards of 150 MPH. He checked the outside mirror, saw smoke and then felt a rush of intense heat. The T1 "spontaneously erupted into a ball of flame," said Plato, who immediately stopped the Caparo and jumped out after sustaining burns to his neck, face and hands.

He was rushed to the hospital and is expected to consult a burn specialist later today. Plato still intends to compete at the final BTCC race this weekend at the Thurxton Circuit this Sunday, which coincides with his 40th birthday. Just be careful blowing out those candles, Jason.

[Source: Fifth Gear]

Continue reading Jason Plato injured when Caparo T1 bursts into flames at 150 mph

Jason Plato injured when Caparo T1 bursts into flames at 150 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btcccaparofifth gearFifthGearjasonjason plato caparo t1JasonPlatoCaparoT1platot1Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Look Ma, no hands! SEAT develops world's first driverless touring car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/01/look-ma-no-hands-seat-develops-worlds-first-driverless-tourin/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/01/look-ma-no-hands-seat-develops-worlds-first-driverless-tourin/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/01/look-ma-no-hands-seat-develops-worlds-first-driverless-tourin/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image to see high res gallery of this unbelievable car!

The Seat Leon is a holy terror on the European touring car circuit, but bad luck and driver error can often mean less than perfect results. So the team has been hard at work creating a virtual interface for the vehicle to take the human error out of the equation. By eliminating the driver, the car can be driven remotely and consistent fast laps are a virtual certainty. It's really unbelievable that nobody has been able to accomplish such a feat before now. And the way in which they've done it makes it look like child's play. In fact, it's as easy as driving a remote control car. No driver means less weight, so it's likely the team will have to carry ballast to make it more realistic competition -- a lot of it if it's supposed to simulate team manager and remote-control jockey Scott Dennis, according to driver Jason Plato). If they didn't, they'd be toying with the rest of the field.

Plato and fellow Seat Sport UK driver Darren Turner aren't too keen on the robotic car, but Scott Dennis says that they'd better get used to it. The advanced electronic system uses computers to replicate driver inputs while controlled from the comfort of the pits by Dennis. Dubbed the Telematics Remote-Information Control Kit, it is sure to surprise more than a few other drivers when it debuts April 1 at the season-opening race at Brands Hatch. The other teams would be foolish not to hop on board and try the TRICK system themselves.

Full release after the jump.

[Source: SEAT Sport UK]

Gallery: Driverless SEAT Leon touring car

Continue reading Look Ma, no hands! SEAT develops world's first driverless touring car

Look Ma, no hands! SEAT develops world's first driverless touring car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Apr 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>British Touring CarBritishTouringCarBTCCDarren TurnerDarrenTurnerJason PlatoJasonPlatoremote control carRemoteControlCarScott DennisScottDennisSEATSEAT LeonSEAT Sport UKSeatLeonSeatSportUkVirtual LeonVirtualLeonSun, 01 Apr 2007 09:01:00 EST