Autoblog

REPORT: Panoz ditches proposed LMP1 program in favor of new Esperante successor

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST

Panoz Esperante GT-LM - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a while since we've heard anything from Panoz Auto Development. The American sportscar manufacturer came onto the scene in the late Nineties with their AIV Roadster, and later went onto create various road and race versions of the Mustang-based Esperante. Around the same time company founder Danny Panoz started building cars, his father Don Panoz also started the the American Le Mans Series, vaulting the family business from automaker and race team to race series organizer.

In the past few years, Panoz has crafted several Le Mans prototype racers and even some Indy/Champ Car chassis. The company has achieved limited success with its front-engined LMP1 program, but the Esperante GT-LM racecar made history when it took GT2 class victories at both the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in 2006. More recently, the company had been focusing its energies on a revolutionary new front-engine LMP1 design called Abruzzi to compete with the field of mid-engine rivals. Reports from the motorsport world, however, now indicate that Panoz has aborted the Abruzzi project in favor of a new GT2 program. But as we all know, GT racers are based on road cars, and that's exactly what Panoz appears to have in the works.

According to Autosport, Panoz decided against a purpose-built racing prototype in favor of a road car, and from that they plan make a racing version. Exactly what the car will be like is up to speculation at this point, but we're looking forward to finding out.

Gallery: Panoz Esperante GT-LM

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autosport]

REPORT: Panoz ditches proposed LMP1 program in favor of new Esperante successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

2009 ALMS at Long Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery

The American Le Mans Series is responding to economic conditions and the decline in the diversity of racing machinery on the grid by changing up the racing classes in its ranks for next season. Rather than imposing spending caps that would be tough to enforce, the series is adding new classes that are closer to production machinery.

Starting in 2010, the two-tier LMP1 and LMP2 categories will be merged into one LMP class, while a new LMP Challenge class will be added starting with the inclusion of Oreca's lower powered Formula Le Mans cars. However, the old system will remain in place for the Sebring 12 Hours and Petit Le Mans races so as to allow European teams to compete in the series' premier American races.

In the GT categories, GT2 class will be remade as GT in the wake of GT1's decline, with a new GT Challenge mirroring the LMP Challenge class for Porsche 911 GT3s. ALMS CEO Scott Atherton has left the door open to other GT3 competitors if they are interested, so hopefully we'll soon see the Audi R8 GT4 get the necessary mods to run in the GTC class.

The revised classifications should amount to more direct competition between challengers - provided the standings don't get too convoluted by the premier event exceptions.

Gallery: American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio 2009

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010

American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: GM reveals details on new Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet

Corvette C6.R GT2 - click above for high-res image gallery

After a decade of competing with the GT1 big dogs in the American Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this weekend marks the start of a new era for Corvette Racing. The race at Mid-Ohio this Saturday (we'll be on hand live) will mark the debut of the all-new GT2 Corvette C6.R. For the last two years, the Corvettes have run without any factory competition in the ALMS GT1 class, and with GT2 being where all the action is, Chevrolet has decided the time was ripe for a change.

The original GT1 C5R debuted in 1999, and in 2005, the team transitioned to the then-new C6.R body style. Over the years, competitors like the Dodge Viper, Aston Martin DBR9 and Ferrari 575 have come and gone, but the Vettes have soldiered on to fight the good fight. After farewell races at Sebring, Long Beach and Le Mans earlier this year, the GT1 cars have been retired. Mark Kent, GM Racing manager, Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing program manager, Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer, Johnny O'Connell, driver No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R all took part in a conference call today to discuss the move to GT2, and we were on the line Read all about it after the jump and check out the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM reveals details on new Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2

Officially Official: GM reveals details on new Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette Racing GT2 car to be unveiled on Tuesday

Alex Nunez — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:06:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Corvette Racing GT1 mega-gallery -- Click above to enter

While the 24 Hours of Le Mans was the swan song for the GT1-class Corvette C6.R, the fellas at Corvette Racing will unveil the next chapter of the story this coming Tuesday, August 4th. According to the crew at BadBoyVettes.com, that's the day we'll see the new GT2-class Chevy Corvette racer, which will allegedly wear "ZR1-influenced" styling. Beyond that, well, we're waiting along with the rest of you. We can't imagine Corvette Racing would abandon the Jake-emblazoned Velocity Yellow-and-Black livery that has become synonymous with success over the years. They'll need all that mojo and then some in GT2, where the competition is fierce and Porsche and Ferrari rule. And that's fine. Consistent, healthy competition has been sorely lacking for the Vettes, which have essentially just raced each other recent years, so this ought to be fun. The GT2 Vettes spring into real action on August 8, when ALMS visits Mid-Ohio. To the GT2 field: Check your mirrors. They're coming. To the rest of you in readerland: Check your local listings and set those DVRs.

Gallery: Corvette Racing GT1 Mega Gallery

[Source: BadBoyVettes.com]

Corvette Racing GT2 car to be unveiled on Tuesday originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switzer Performance P800 997 Twin-Turbo: The world is never enough [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Switzer Performance P800 997 Twin-Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

You know what the biggest problem with Porsche's 997 Turbo is? Too slow. They're like German desert tortoises. Just kinda clumsy and always in the way. 480 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque rotating all four wheels might sound fast on paper, but it just isn't. Understanding this, Porsche came out with the more powerful GT2. However, 530 horsepower is still like standing still and rear-wheel drive is for drag racers. You need the traction of AWD, and something with more power than some dirty old Cadillac. A lot more power.

Meet the Switzer Perfomance P800 997. Here's the quick stats: 800 hp, zero-to-sixty in less than three seconds and the quarter-mile in just a smidge over ten seconds. Now that's fast. Oh yeah -- the P800's AWD, too. No one is going to mistake you for a Mustang with a blower. Where does an extra 320 hp vs. stock come from? Custom GT30 turbochargers, Switzer MONSTER intercoolers, electronic boost control, fancy headers and exhaust, plus a carbon clutch pack. We'll take it. In yellow. Full press release and video of a P800 on a Dynometer after the jump.

Gallery: Switzer P800

Continue reading Switzer Performance P800 997 Twin-Turbo: The world is never enough [w/VIDEO]

Switzer Performance P800 997 Twin-Turbo: The world is never enough [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spyker preparing to enter GT1 with competition-spec C8 Aileron?

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Spyker

Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spyker may have dropped out of Formula One, but they haven't lost that competitive spirit. Even before selling its F1 team to Kingfisher's Vijay Mallya, who rechristened the squad as Force India, Spyker was fielding the race-prepped sports cars in the GT2 category, The C8 Laviolette GT2-R (pictured above) has been their weapon of choice, in turn yielding the road-worthy LM85 which debuted at last year's Los Angeles show. But the niche Dutch automaker is reportedly preparing to step into the big leagues.

According to the latest reports from across the pond, Spyker's new GT1 racer will be based on the latest C8 Aileron, complete with aluminum body and chassis and powered by a race-tuned Audi V8. Fielding the GT2 car will fall to privateer teams while the Spyker Squadron focuses on GT1. Of course the Dutch team will have to step up its game if it's going to dice it with the big boys next season, and we'll enjoy watching them go at it.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2009 Spyker C8 Aileron

Gallery: Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2-R

[Source: motorsportblog.it]

Spyker preparing to enter GT1 with competition-spec C8 Aileron? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wimmer Takes All: 680hp Porsche 911 GT2 goes up to 221 mph

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

Wimmer RS Porsche 911 GT2 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

As if the Porsche 911 GT2 wasn't fast enough in stock form, German tuning house Wimmer Racing Technology has unveiled a new €30,000 ($40,000) package for the Stuttgart supercar to take its already superlative performance to stratospheric levels.

With a re-calibrated ECU, upgraded turbos, new cylinder heads, camshafts and a custom exhaust, the Wimmer RS GT2 produces a whopping 680 horsepower and 642 lb-ft of torque, capable of propelling the twin-turbo rocket up to sixty in a scant 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 221 mph. Accompanying the engine mods are a carbon-fiber aero kit, H&R suspension and 20-inch Sportec wheels. Check out the details in the press release after the jump and the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Wimmer RS Porsche 911 GT2

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via WCF]

Continue reading Wimmer Takes All: 680hp Porsche 911 GT2 goes up to 221 mph

Wimmer Takes All: 680hp Porsche 911 GT2 goes up to 221 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rocketsports Racing brings Jaguar to ALMS GT2 ranks

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Jaguar

click above for a high res gallery of the new Rocketsports Jaguar XKR GT2

It's been a while since we heard any news from Rocketsports racing. The long-time Trans Am competitors last turned up running in Champ Car. During the last several Trans Am seasons, Rocketsports ran Jaguar XKRs, and this weekend at the Long Beach ALMS round, Rocketsports boss Paul Gentilozzi announced that his team would return to the grid summer with a brand-new XKR in the ALMS GT2 class. Testing begins in June, and the new Rocketsports XKR is scheduled to begin competing in July. Power will be delivered via a race-prepped version of the new direct-injected 5.0-liter V8 that debuts in the XK and XF this summer.

Like other GT2 racers, the XKR is based on the production car's chassis, in this case the aluminum structure that forms the basis of the XK. The alloy chassis is then beefed up with the customary steel roll cage and other reinforcements. It's looking increasingly like GT2 is the place to be, with Jaguar joining BMW and the new Corvettes along with the Ferrari F430s and Porsche 911s that have been there for several years.

Gallery: Rocketsports Jaguar XKR GT2

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Rocketsports Racing brings Jaguar to ALMS GT2 ranks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette GT2 C6.R spotted in ZR1 body

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for a larger image along with more shots of the new GT2 Corvette

We recently reported Chevrolet was rumored to be switching from the bespoke wide-body Corvette used in GT1, to a more stock-looking body styled like the ZR1 as it moved into the GT2 class in ALMS. Now, the first few pics of the new Pratt & Miller Corvette C6.R GT2 have surfaced courtesy of Teen Kaas at AmericanLeMansFans.com. Set to challenge the existing front-runner Ferraris, as well as the M3s, Porsches, Viper, Ford GT and Panozes, the ZR1 might be just what the General needs to stay at the head of its class.

As you can see from the photos, the hood window is gone, but the car does bear a resemblance to the ZR1 with a few minor tweaks for the track. There's a revised grille in front, a large spoiler out back and a new diffuers underneath, but other than that it looks fairly close to the stock unit. If the hood window remained you'd see a 6.0-liter LS7 this year, which will be replaced by a 500-hp, 5.5-liter race-tuned LS3 for 2010 when the rules change next year.

Gallery: ALMS GT2 Corvette

[Source: AmericanLemansFans via BadBoy Vettes via Jalopnik]

Corvette GT2 C6.R spotted in ZR1 body originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing: New Corvette GT2 racer takes cues from ZR1

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Rendered Speculation

Victory can get boring after a while. The first couple of times Corvette Racing took the GT1 title in the American Le Mans Series, it must have been exciting. But after dominating the class every year since 2001, they're starting to look for a new fight, and the Porsches and Ferraris duking it out in GT2 must have started to look mighty tasty. Aching for a fight, Chevrolet's racing partner Pratt & Miller have started teasing what their latest challenger will look like, and it's pretty badass.

For 2009, the Corvette C6.R GT2 will take its cues from the new king of the roadgoing Corvette castle, the all-conquering ZR1. Don't expect a window into the race-engine compartment, but the design promises to look unmistakably like a track-bound version of the supercharged 'Vette flagship. Under the hood in 2009 will be a downsized 6.0-liter LS7 to meet the new ALMS regulations, to be replaced by a 5.5-liter race-tuned LS3 with 500 horsepower for 2010. The rendering above gives us a good idea of what the C6.R GT2 will look like, so F430 and 911 pilots had better get used to it.

[Source: BadBoyVettes via Jalopnik]

A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing: New Corvette GT2 racer takes cues from ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Latest Porsche 911 GT2 caught testing?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Supercars, Porsche

Since Porsche introduced the latest version of its 911 range, hardcore enthusiasts have been patiently awaiting the inevitable higher-performance models while Stuttgart distracts everyone else with special-edition Cayennes and the new Panamera sedan. But now that the latest GT3 has been released, only the most powerful versions await an update. Up next are the track-focused GT3 RS, the force-fed Turbo and the grand-daddy of 'em all, the GT2. The latter variant has just been spied, although you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference from the outgoing model from looking at it.

In addition to the minor tweaks given to the entire 911 range, the next GT2 will reportedly benefit from some additional engine tuning. A new direct injection system, bigger combustion chambers, upgraded crankshaft and new oil and water pumps. Together, the package is expected to help bring output up from the current 530 horsepower to 550, enough to propel this Carrera to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds. Rumors are still afoot that an even more powerful version - dubbed the GT2 RS - may be under development as well, but in the meantime, we're anticipating the latest 911 GT2 to bow at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the Fall.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Spy Shots: Latest Porsche 911 GT2 caught testing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Porsche working on 580-hp GT2 RS

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Porsche, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Porsche 911 GT2

The blokes at Pistonheads supposedly got word from an inside source at Porsche that the automaker is considering a track-day version of the GT2. The hypothetical Porsche 911 GT2 RS would improve on every aspect of the standard turbocharged rear-wheel-drive coupe, beginning with an additional 50 ponies, bringing output up to 580 hp. Center-locking wheels are rumored to be part of the package, along with Plexiglas rear windows and a range of body modifications that could drop some 440 pounds from the standard GT2's curb weight. The UK-centric site reports that ten right-hand-drive examples will be produced, although it doesn't say what total global output would be. If the GT2 RS does come to fruition, expect it to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, with sales beginning the following spring.

Gallery: 2008 Porsche 911 GT2

[Source: Pistonheads]

Rumormill: Porsche working on 580-hp GT2 RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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9ff takes Porsche 911 GT2 to 670 hp and beyond

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 9ff Porsche 911 GT2

The Porsche 911 GT2 is hardly lacking for horsepower, but the 9ff crew can never leave "good enough" alone. With a pair of V670 turbos, a 9ff custom intake manifold, headers and exhaust system with a two-stage valve that takes the engine note from raucous to profane, the 9ff GT2 puts out 670 hp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. Zero to 62 comes up in a supercar embarrassing 3.6 seconds and 124 mph is dispatched in a scant 9.8 seconds. Naturally, the ECU has been modified to make use of the additional boost and breathing mods, while simultaneously raising the rev limiter to 7,200 rpm. The additional power is shoveled to the transmission via a single-mass flywheel and racing clutch, while a coilover suspension does its best to keep the GT2 on terra firma at all times. And if having the ability to bully ZR1s, Enzos, and Carrera GTs isn't enough, a 910 hp version is on the way.

Gallery: 9ff Porsche 911 GT2

[Source: 9ff]

9ff takes Porsche 911 GT2 to 670 hp and beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette Racing just about ready to start building GT2 C6.R

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Chevrolet

click for a high-res gallery from the 2008 Detroit Sports Car Challenge

2009 will be a transition year for the American Le Mans Series as the GT1 class all but disappears after the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Corvette Racing team announced a few weeks ago that it will switch from GT1 to the GT2 class. In an ALMS conference call, program manager Dough Fehan revealed that the engineering work on the new car is done and assembly of the first car will start in the next 7-10 days. Visually, the new car will be almost indistinguishable from the GT1 racer, with the biggest difference being a smaller rear wing. Underneath the skin, the carbon brakes will have to go as they aren't allowed in GT2 so steel rotors will have to dissipate the kinetic energy. Creating kinetic energy will be a new, smaller, 6.0L version of the engine currently used. The GT2 engine will continue to run on cellulosic E85.

The GT2 cars will likely make their competition debut at the Mid-Ohio ALMS race in early August. Before that happens, the GT1 cars will make three final runs at Sebring, Long Beach and of course Le Mans to try and win one more time.

Gallery: Detroit Sports Car Challenge 08

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Corvette Racing just about ready to start building GT2 C6.R originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK

Michael Harley — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, First Drive

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK - Click above for high-res image gallery

Introduced in 1963, the Porsche 911 is one of the most successful competition cars ever built. Despite its unconventional rear-engine platform, the 911 Carrera holds recorded wins in nearly every type of automotive competition. Continuously upgraded and refined, Porsche has introduced a mid-cycle refresh for the 2009 model year. While the cosmetic changes are immediately apparent, the most significant improvements - two new engines and a new double-clutch transmission - are hidden under its sleek skin. We spent a long day putting the 2009 911 Carrera through its paces on a race track near Salt Lake City framed by the spectacular snow-capped surrounding mountains of Utah. Read our impressions after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Carrera 911 PDK

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK

First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TechArt GT Street RS, because the Porsche GT2 isn't mean enough

Alex Nunez — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Performance, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the GT Street RS

The Porsche 911 GT2 has 530 horsepower, 505 lb-ft of torque and is capable of going 204 mph. And it's not enough. Not for TechArt, at least. You know TechArt. They take Porsches that already push the limits of performance and go all Chuck Yeager on them, probing for new and more crazy limits. Generally they find them, then they package them up and offer them to the moneyed public. Case in point: the new GT Street RS. What begins as a "normal" GT2 turns into a 700-horsepower, 634 lb-ft (860 Nm) warp-enabled street predator when the TechArt people are through messing with it.

The myriad changes include new bodywork that improves the car's aerodynamics, updated chassis components, a customized and caged interior, and a laundry list of underhood modifications. The turbos, intercoolers, headers, electronics, pressure sensor, air filter and exhaust system all get updated by TechArt, facilitating the transformation from factory supercar to ballistic missile with wheels. Now, where'd we leave those launch codes...

Gallery: TechArt GT Street RS

[Source: TechArt]

TechArt GT Street RS, because the Porsche GT2 isn't mean enough originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Never enough: Gemballa Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Gemballa Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO.

We've already sampled the mind-blowing power of the 997 Porsche GT2, but for Gemballa, it's never enough. The German tuning firm is offering a new kit for both the GT2 and its all-wheel-drive sibling, the Porsche Turbo, in the form of the Avalanche 600 EVO. As it's name would imply, Gemballa has coaxed 600 hp (not to mention 619 lb.-ft. of torque) from Porsche's turbocharged flat-six through the use of a new intercooler, race exhaust and a retuned ECU. The dash to 62 mph is dispatched in 3.5 seconds and the top speed has been increased to 199 mph.

To compliment the 911's newfound power, Gemball has fitted its Avalanche body kit, which includes a new hood, front spoiler and bumper, EVO wing and a host of air inlets and outlets. The stock suspension has been pulled in favor of a coilover setup hidden behind 405 mm front and 380 mm rear discs and Gemballa "Racing Black Edition" wheels sized 20x9-inches in front and 20x11.5-inches out back. Aluminum pedals and door plates are available to spruce up the interior, along with leather, carbon and alacantara trim, new carpet and a 340 mm steering wheel with optional "F1" paddle shifters. For interested in being corrupted by absolute power, we've posted the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Gemballa Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO

[Source: Gemballa via WCF]

Continue reading Never enough: Gemballa Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO

Never enough: Gemballa Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SpeedART BTR-XS 650 911 GT2

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the SpeedART BTR-XS 650.

The Porsche 997 GT2 is the undoubtedly the king of the 911s, but the crew at SpeedART has decided to add a few more jewels onto the GT2's crown. Beginning with the overly competent twin-turbocharged flat-six, the German tuning haus modified the stock snails, replaced the headers, fitted a new exhaust with freer flowing cats, installed larger intercoolers and tuned it all with a Motronic ECU. Output is now up to 650 hp and 634 lb.-ft. of torque, propelling the BTR-XS 650 to 60 in 3.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 216 mph.

In addition to the extensive work underhood, the modified GT2 gets coilovers fitted at all four corners and custom wheels, while inside, customers willing to plunk down the €27,500 can choose from an endless catalog of interior bits, including sports seats, a new steering wheel and acres of Alcantara.

Gallery: SpeedART BTR-XS 650

[Source: SpeedART via Motor Authority]

SpeedART BTR-XS 650 911 GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari F430 GT2 ready to take on all challengers in 2008

Noah Joseph — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:38:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Ferrari

Click on the image above to view in high resolution

We used to think the Ferrari F430 was one of the most impressive supercars on the market, but that's only the start. The 430 Scuderia kicked it up a considerable notch. The F430 Pista, as raced in the Ferrari Challenge series, is even tauter, and the F430 GT3 is even sharper than that. At the top of the track-ready 430 line-up sits the F430 GT2, and the first 2008-spec model has just been delivered.

Changes are bound to be minimal on the 2008 version for the simple reason that the 2007 model was an unbridled success. It won the GT2 titles in both the FIA GT series and the American Le Mans Series, all while the F2007 took the Formula One title. Not a bad year, then, for racing Ferraris. But just as the F1 team is already hard at work preparing next year's grand prix car, so has Michelotto prepared an even better version of the F430 GT2 in pursuit of even more trophies in 2008.

Michelotto - which has been responsible for preparing the majority of GT racing Ferraris since the late 70s, and also had a big hand in developing the 288 GTO and F40 supercars - just handed the 2008 F430 GT2 to CR Scuderia, a team that will campaign the car next year in the FIA GT series, for an initial shakedown at the Fiorano test track, and we've got the pictures to prove it. Following the test, the car was loaded onto a truck bound for the Autosport International racing-car show in England when the car will be officially unveiled.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Gallery: 2008 Ferrari F430 GT2

Ferrari F430 GT2 ready to take on all challengers in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin & Prodrive working on V8 Vantage GT2

Noah Joseph — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

When will it be enough? "Never" could very well be the answer for David Richards, the head of racing freelancers Prodrive and chairman of Aston Martin. The two companies under his thumb have been collaborating on the campaigning of Aston Martin racing cars in a growing number of endurance sports car competition classes in recent years. The DBR9, DBRS9 and Vantage N24 have been ripping it up in the FIA GT1, GT3 and GT4 classes, but as you may have noticed, the Aston Martin racing program lacks a car to enter in the GT2 level. Prodrive and Aston are planning to plug that hole and strive for an eclipsing domination of sports car racing with a GT2 racer based on the V8 Vantage.

A mule is currently undergoing testing, having run laps around the MIRA test track in England, up the hill at Goodwood, and was set for more work this week at a Michelin tire test in Spain. That most recent test session, according to Prodrive's Aston racing program, will give them a better idea about the project's future.

The prospect of another Aston Martin hopped up on steroids and storming the track has got us watering at the mouth, so watch this space for more news.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Aston Martin & Prodrive working on V8 Vantage GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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