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[Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/report-ferrari-to-show-599-hybrid-concept-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/report-ferrari-to-show-599-hybrid-concept-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/report-ferrari-to-show-599-hybrid-concept-in-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Italian pub, Quattroroute reports Ferrari will show its first road-going hybrid next March at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 599 GTB, the Ferrari hybrid is expected to use a derivative of the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) used on the prancing horse's Formula One cars during part of the 2009 season.

The KERS setup and the concept will reportedly use a lithium ion battery pack, and based on the diagram (right) the road car will have the battery and the power electonics mounted on either side of the rear transaxle, with an electric motor incorporated into the transaxle itself. If the road car is similar to the race car, this will essentially be a mild hybrid system providing automatic start-stop, regenerative braking and electric boost. Judging by the battery size, Ferrari won't offer any pure electric propulsion. The system is expected to boost urban driving mileage by over 30 percent from the current 8.7 mpg (US) to a slightly less miserable 13.8 mpg.

Thanks to Daniele for the tip!

[Source: Quattroroute]

Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrari 599ferrari 599 gtbferrari 599 hybridferrari 599 hybrid conceptferrari f430Ferrari599Ferrari599GtbFerrari599HybridFerrari599HybridConceptFerrariF430genevageneva auto showGeneva Motor ShowGeneva-Motor-ShowGenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowkerskers hybridKersHybridkinetic energy recov...kinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyRecov...KineticEnergyRecoverySystemWed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: McLaren planning hybrid supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/rumormill-mclaren-planning-hybrid-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/rumormill-mclaren-planning-hybrid-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/rumormill-mclaren-planning-hybrid-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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

McLaren has put up a job posting for a Senior Engineer for Powertrain Hybrid Technology on its official website, which may offer a few clues as to where the automaker may be heading in the near future for its road cars. As far as rumors go, this one seems pretty solid. According to an unnamed spokesperson quoted by Autocar:
It (hybrid technology) is something we want as a forward-thinking, technology-driven company. We have been considering it for future projects. All the advert means is that we are looking for a senior engineer in powertrain hybrid technology. Read into it what you will.
One possibility is that McLaren will attempt to adapt the KERS system from its Formula 1 race cars for street use. It's widely agreed upon that McLaren's KERS implementation is the best in F1 and both BMW and Ferrari are also thought to be working on KERS for future road cars.

Within the next few years, McLaren is expected to introduce a couple of new supercars, including a replacement for the current SLR, codenamed P11, and a successor to the famed F1 supercar from the mid '90s that's currently known as the P12.


Gallery: McLaren F1 LM


[Source: McLaren via Autocar]

Rumormill: McLaren planning hybrid supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenhybrid supercarHybridSupercarKERSmclarenmclaren f1mclaren hybridmclaren kersmclaren p11mclaren p12MclarenF1MclarenHybridMclarenKersMclarenP11MclarenP12Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Next BMW M5 to feature twin-turbo V10 with 600 hp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/report-next-bmw-m5-to-feature-twin-turbo-v10-with-600-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/report-next-bmw-m5-to-feature-twin-turbo-v10-with-600-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/report-next-bmw-m5-to-feature-twin-turbo-v10-with-600-hp/#commentsFiled under: ,


BMW M5 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The next BMW M5 is due to arrive sometime in 2011 or 2012 and as the release date draws near, more details about BMW's newest 'Bahn-burner have begun to surface.

Two reports indicate that BMW may continue to use a V10 powerplant in the next M5, although there's still some evidence that the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 currently fitted to the X5M and X6M could be tweaked and fitted in its place. However, if BMW decides to stick with the bent-ten, a thoroughly revised version based off the 'utes' V8 would be employed, packing a duo of turbos to boost output up and over the 600 hp mark, and giving the Audi RS6 a run for its money.

But it won't be all about power. BMW is also expected to use an F1-style KERS system to increase performance and fuel economy, along with an engine start-stop setup and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. If the rumors are to be believed, expect the next M5 to make its debut sometime in 2011, with sales beginning in early 2012.


Gallery: Review: BMW M5


[Sources: BMWBlog, AutoExpress]

REPORT: Next BMW M5 to feature twin-turbo V10 with 600 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 bmw m52011BmwM520122012 bmw m52012BmwM5bmwkersm5twin turbo v10TwinTurboV10Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW gives up on KERS for the remainder of the 2009 F1 season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/bmw-gives-up-on-kers-for-the-remainder-of-the-2009-f1-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/bmw-gives-up-on-kers-for-the-remainder-of-the-2009-f1-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/bmw-gives-up-on-kers-for-the-remainder-of-the-2009-f1-season/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After using its KERS hybrid system on and off through the first half of the 2009 Formula One season, the BMW-Sauber team has decided enough is enough. The team will shelve the system through the remainder of the year while it focuses on aerodynamic development. In spite of the utter lack of success using the kinetic energy recovery systems this year, team boss Mario Theissen said the development process has been useful for the company's production hybrids. Lessons learned in developing the electric hybrid system on the race cars has been transferred to engineers working on the upcoming 750h mild hybrid and X6 two-mode hybrid.

BMW isn't totally giving up on the system though, having voted to retain KERS for future seasons. Under the current rules, there are not enough performance benefits from KERS and Thiessen says that unless KERS is mandatory for all cars, it will likely be dropped by all teams.

[Source: F1-Live]

BMW gives up on KERS for the remainder of the 2009 F1 season originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw sauberBmwSauberf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekerskinetic energykinetic energy recovery systemkineticenergykineticenergyrecov...KineticEnergyRecoverySystemMon, 22 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[F1 teams vote to scrap KERS in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/f1-teams-vote-to-scrap-kers-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/f1-teams-vote-to-scrap-kers-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/f1-teams-vote-to-scrap-kers-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ferrari at the 2009 Turkish Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that the FIA and the Formula One Teams' Association are jointly interested in reducing the cost required to compete in F1 racing, and the FOTA has taken a step in that direction by resolving to abandon the use of the controversial kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) that are permissible but not mandatory for the 2009 season. According to reports, the vote to ban the hybrid powertrains was not unanimous, but a majority of teams have voted against the technology for 2010.

As it stands, only four of the ten teams taking part in the '09 season have actually used KERS in competition and only two, McLaren and Ferrari, used it last weekend at the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul. This vote raises questions as to how F1 will promote environmental awareness in the absence of KERS-equipped powertrains.

Says McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh:
"F1 has to demonstrate that it has some green credentials, but at the same time, in this economic climate everybody is looking to save costs. It has been a huge effort talking about new entrants and making sure the smaller teams stay in F1. McLaren's position is we would like to see KERS retained - but we also accept that we have to be responsible members of the F1 community, and if the majority don't want to have KERS, or can't afford KERS at the moment, then we have to be realistic."

Gallery: 2009 Turkish Grand Prix


[Source: Crash.net | Photo: FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images]

F1 teams vote to scrap KERS in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1f1 kersF1Kersformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekerskinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyRecoverySystemMon, 08 Jun 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Corsa Motorsports P1 Prototype with KERS to debut at Utah Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/corsa-motorsports-p1-prototype-with-kers-to-debut-at-utah-grand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/corsa-motorsports-p1-prototype-with-kers-to-debut-at-utah-grand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/corsa-motorsports-p1-prototype-with-kers-to-debut-at-utah-grand/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Corsa Motorsports Zytek 07S

Back in September of 2008, Corsa Motorsports announced it would be shelving their Ferrari F430 in the GT2 category and instead campaign a new P1 Prototype fitted with a KERS system. While the planned debut at Petit Le Mans didn't happen in order to further develop the system, the Utah-based race team is still pushing ahead with the hybrid racecar that will introduce the kinetic energy recovery system to the ALMS. Today, Corsa Motorsports tested the Ginetta-Zytek GZ09SH laden with the 85kg KERS system for the first time at the Silverstone circuit, and Steve Pruitt, team owner, has announced that the car will make its competition debut at the Utah Grand Prix at Miller Motorsports Park on May 17. If all goes well, the appearance of the new racecar will bring some much needed competition to the P1 category which has been dominated by the Acura prototypes the last two races. Corsa Motorsports proved to be very quick last year in a Zytek 07S (pictured above), finishing third in class at the season finale at Laguna Seca.


Gallery: Corsa Motorsports Zytek 07S


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

Corsa Motorsports P1 Prototype with KERS to debut at Utah Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALMSAmerican Le Mans SeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesCorsa MotorsportsCorsaMotorsportsGinetta-Zytec GZ09SHGinetta-zytecGz09shKERSZytec GZ09SHZytecGz09shTue, 05 May 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Ferrari testing hybrid powertrain in 599 prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/confirmed-ferrari-testing-hybrid-powertrain-in-599-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/confirmed-ferrari-testing-hybrid-powertrain-in-599-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/confirmed-ferrari-testing-hybrid-powertrain-in-599-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Ferrari 599XX

One of the stated reasons that automakers send prototype race cars around tracks at high rates of speed is to further the development of new technology for their road-going automobiles. There's no higher form of automotive motorsport than Formula 1, so it stands to reason that fuel-saving advancements like the kinetic energy recovery hybrid systems that F1 is currently in the midst of implementing will someday make it to production cars. According to Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, the Italian automaker is already testing its KERS system in a prototype based on the 599 chassis.

There's some speculation that the Dale Earnhardt edition 599XX at the Geneva Motor Show may have some form of the KERS system installed, but that's not confirmed. With this technology, energy that would otherwise be lost to braking can be stored and reused the next time the vehicle accelerates, thereby boosting both performance and efficiency, and that's something we can all get behind.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx


[Source: Motor Authority]

Confirmed: Ferrari testing hybrid powertrain in 599 prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenferrariferrari 599xxferrari hybridFerrari599xxFerrariHybridgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowkerskinetic energykinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyKineticEnergyRecoverySystemWed, 04 Mar 2009 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Red Bull Racing gives a virtual tour of 2009 F1 rulebook]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/video-red-bull-racing-gives-a-virtual-tour-of-2009-f1-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/video-red-bull-racing-gives-a-virtual-tour-of-2009-f1-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/video-red-bull-racing-gives-a-virtual-tour-of-2009-f1-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Click above to watch the video after the jump

Formula One racing has implemented sweeping changes to its vehicles for the 2009 racing season. All cars will drive on slick tires, front and rear wing specifications have changed dramatically, and noses have grown. Changes have taken place in the powertrain department as well, with each car only receiving eight engines for the year, and all powerplants will be limited to 18,000 rpm.

These are but a few of the changes, and going into more detail can get a bit boring. Luckily, Red Bull Racing created a bang-up virtual tour of all of the changes in F1 for 2009. Hit the jump to view the video. Not only is the animation fantastic, but the short rundown is also extremely informative. As an added bonus, the video also expertly explains how a Kinetic Energy Recovery System can give drivers six seconds of burst per lap. Good stuff.

[Source: Red Bull Racing]

Continue reading VIDEO: Red Bull Racing gives a virtual tour of 2009 F1 rulebook

VIDEO: Red Bull Racing gives a virtual tour of 2009 F1 rulebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1 racingF1Racingformula 1formula OneFormula1FormulaOneKERSpro motorsportsProMotorsportsrule changesRuleChangesFri, 13 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari and Peugeot to collaborate on KERS?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/ferrari-and-peugeot-to-collaborate-on-kers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/ferrari-and-peugeot-to-collaborate-on-kers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/ferrari-and-peugeot-to-collaborate-on-kers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Put a Ferrari and a Peugeot side-by-side and you'll struggle to find any similarities, but on the race track, the two share more in common than you might think. Before masterminding Ferrari's rejuvenation, former CEO Jean Todt was head of Peugeot's competition department, and brought with him some of PSA's top racing engineers. Peugeot's renewed Le Mans racing operation employs several F1 drivers, including Ferrari's own test pilot Marc Gene. Now reports are suggesting that the two outfits, both seeking top honors in their respective motorsport disciplines, may be cooperating on the joint development of their Kinetic Energy Recovery System.

KERS is nearing implementation in Formula One, and several teams are pursuing external expertise to get their systems ready. But joining with Peugeot would allow Ferrari, whose system is being developed with its technical partner and sister company Magneti-Marelli, to circumvent the tight restrictions on development and testing, restrictions which are only getting tighter each year. Peugeot, meanwhile, is preparing to implement a similar system on the Le Mans circuit in its new 908 HY prototype, which it hopes will edge out Audi at both the finish line and the green front.

[Sources: F1-Live and GrandPrix.com]

Ferrari and Peugeot to collaborate on KERS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrariferrari kersferrari peugeotFerrariKersFerrariPeugeotkersmagneti-marellimagneti-marelli kersMagneti-marelliKerspeugeotpeugeot 908 hypeugeot ferraripeugeot kersPeugeot908HyPeugeotFerrariPeugeotKersWed, 07 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW Sauber discovers cause of KERS shock]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/bmw-sauber-discovers-cause-of-kers-shock/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/bmw-sauber-discovers-cause-of-kers-shock/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/bmw-sauber-discovers-cause-of-kers-shock/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According to Team BMW Sauber, it has "concluded their investigations into the KERS incident at Jerez." Incident? You mean that time when one of your mechanics was literally thrown to the ground after doing nothing more than touching your car? Right, that one. If you are truly interested in reading all of the techno-babble regarding why the experimental KERS hybrid system reached out and touched someone, click past the break for the details. Here are the highlights: It was an accident. The KERS control unit malfunctioned. Nobody was seriously hurt and nobody was ever in any real danger (Dr Evil: Riiight...). Christian Klein, the driver, was insulated from any shocks due to his race suit and gloves.

BMW Sauber has apparently fixed the problem and feels confident that it will be ready to continue testing in the Autumn. Recently, the BMW team voted in favor of running the KERS hybrid system for next year's race season, so it'll have to be ready to go sooner rather than later.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW Sauber discovers cause of KERS shock

BMW Sauber discovers cause of KERS shock originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw sauberBmwSauberflywheelformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekerskers shockKersShockkinetic energykinetic energy recov...kinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyKineticEnergyRecov...KineticEnergyRecoverySystemFri, 22 Aug 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[KERS gets Formula 1 green light for 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/kers-gets-formula-1-green-light-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/kers-gets-formula-1-green-light-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/kers-gets-formula-1-green-light-for-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Despite some serious reservations regarding the safety and high cost of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System
(KERS), the hybrid system has received the green light for introduction into the 2009 Formula 1 season. After BMW and Renault had some, uh, issues with KERS, Renault called a meeting to discuss whether the new flywheel-based system should be postponed until 2010. BMW Sauber, Honda Racing and Williams are apparently feeling confident enough in their own systems to resist the delay. Because F1 rules dictate that a consensus must be reached to change the previous ruling, F1 cars in 2009 will run with the new drivetrain. The only thing which could still hold back the new technology would be if the teams were unable to guarantee the safety of their systems, and this seems unlikely given that Honda has already completed a successful track test last week.

[Source: autosport.com]

KERS gets Formula 1 green light for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw sauberBmwSauberf1 hybridF1Hybridformula one hybridFormulaOneHybridhonda racingHondaRacingkerskinetic energy recov...KineticEnergyRecov...williamswilliams f1williams racingwilliams-f1WilliamsF1WilliamsRacingWed, 06 Aug 2008 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Shocking! See F1 mechanic getting zapped by KERS system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/video-shocking-see-f1-mechanic-getting-zapped-by-kers-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/video-shocking-see-f1-mechanic-getting-zapped-by-kers-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/video-shocking-see-f1-mechanic-getting-zapped-by-kers-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Follow the jump to watch the video

Anybody who wants to know why Formula 1 teams are reconsidering using the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, or KERS need only watch the video embedded after the jump. So far, there have been two incidents of KERS failures, the first requiring the U.K. Red Bull team to make a call to the local Fire Department and the second, as seen in the video, sending a BMW mechanic to the ground. The KERS system recovers energy that would be lost to braking so that it can be reused on the next straightaway. We aren't in the business of finding enjoyment from the suffering of others, but since the mechanic was basically unharmed, let this be a reminder that high voltage hurts. Yowzah! Thanks for the tip, Lachlan!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Shocking! See F1 mechanic getting zapped by KERS system

VIDEO: Shocking! See F1 mechanic getting zapped by KERS system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw kersBmwKershybrid f1HybridF1kerskers f1kers shockkers videoKersF1KersShockKersVideokinetic energykinetic energy recov...KineticEnergyKineticEnergyRecov...shock videoShockVideoWed, 30 Jul 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[F1 teams debating introduction of KERS for 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/f1-teams-debating-introduction-of-kers-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/f1-teams-debating-introduction-of-kers-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/f1-teams-debating-introduction-of-kers-for-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,

Following two incidents in two weeks, it looks like the ballyhooed KERS hybrid system might not make it onto Formula 1 cars for 2009 -- at least, not the first races. Teams have begun to talk about how much difficulty they're having in building a safe system. KERS not only needs to work when the car is racing around the track, it also needs to be engineered properly in the event of a 300-kph accident.

In addition to Red Bull's smoke and fumes and BMW's bolt from the blue, Mark Weber said that teams are struggling to deal with the chemicals in the batteries. Supposedly, the stuff that runs off a blown up KERS battery is poisonous arsenic. Toyota's head of engine development said all the teams are having trouble, and Williams Driver Nico Rosberg appeared to doubt whether his team would have it ready by the first race of '09. The teams have scheduled to discuss the matter at their next Technical Working Group meeting. As for us, we can live with or without KERS. Just keep the slicks, will you?

[Source: F1-Live]

F1 teams debating introduction of KERS for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto racingAutoRacingf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekersmotorsportmotorsportsracingtechnologyThu, 24 Jul 2008 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[F1 mechanic gets a big shock from KERS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/f1-mechanic-gets-a-big-shock-from-kers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/f1-mechanic-gets-a-big-shock-from-kers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/f1-mechanic-gets-a-big-shock-from-kers/#commentsFiled under: ,



Next year Formula 1 will see the introduction of KERS -- the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. The system stores the energy from braking and makes it available to the driver in an on-demand burst. Due to the magnificent braking forces in braking an F1 car, the system must be called on to store a sizable amount of electricity.

Red Bull got things buzzing last week when an eruption of smoke and fumes lead to a call to the fire department. Today, BMW test driver Christian Klien did three laps in a car equipped with an early edition of KERS, and came back to the pits. When a mechanic touched the car, he got a shock strong enough to throw him to the ground. The mechanic suffered slight injuries to a hand and a grazed arm, but was otherwise unhurt. BMW halted all testing while it looks into the issue, which could simply be a matter of improper grounding. Or, it could be time to suit pit crews up in rubber gear...

[Source: F1 Daily]

F1 mechanic gets a big shock from KERS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw f1BmwF1f1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekersmotorsportsTue, 22 Jul 2008 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Theissen: more automakers considering entering F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/theissen-more-automakers-considering-entering-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/theissen-more-automakers-considering-entering-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/theissen-more-automakers-considering-entering-f1/#commentsFiled under:


According to Mario Theissen, a number of carmakers are carefully thinking about getting into Formula One. Theissen is head of BMW Motorsports, and after running the Bavarian automakers foray into engine supply in partnership with the Williams team, led the company towards buying the Sauber team wholesale. In a short span of time and with minimal investment, Theissen has transformed the team from a solid midfield contender to a legitimate challenger for the championship alongside McLaren and Ferrari. Theissen believes that other automakers, inspired by BMW's success, are re-examining the prospect of joining Formula One. The BMW chief also believes that the development of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) being implemented in F1 is a strong motivator for automaker participation, noting that BMW's own R&D departments are anxiously knocking at Sauber's door to derive road-going systems based on KERS.

Although Formula One presents a lackluster case for American automakers, many of the world's leading foreign manufacturers participate in the sport, including BMW, Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, Honda and Toyota. So who does that leave? Theissen says Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche are closely considering entering F1, along with several unnamed Asian automakers. Although its sister company Renault already runs a team, Nissan has been touted as a possible entry. More likely, however, is that Hyundai/Kia will seek the prominence and the technology to go with its rise in the ranks by joining the fray.

[Source: F1-Live, Photo: Mark Thompson/Getty]

Theissen: more automakers considering entering F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi f1AudiF1bmw f1BmwF1formula oneFormulaOnehyundai f1HyundaiF1kersmarion theissenMarionTheissennissan f1NissanF1porsche f1PorscheF1theissenvolkswagen f1VolkswagenF1Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari split as Formula One goes hybird]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/ferrari-split-as-formula-one-goes-hybird/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/ferrari-split-as-formula-one-goes-hybird/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/ferrari-split-as-formula-one-goes-hybird/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Formula One is going hybrid starting next year, according to statements released by the sport's governing body the FIA. The Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) will be phased in over a period of several years, starting with the 2009 season and culminating with the full-fledged implementation by 2013. The system works essentially by storing energy expelled under braking, which can then be used via a "push-to-pass"-style button mounted on the steering wheel that drivers can employ for an extra power boost.

The reaction within the Ferrari team, meanwhile, has been mixed. Vice-president Piero Ferrari - Enzo's son who owns 10% of the company - railed against the idea, saying it goes against the FIA's cost-cutting measures and will cost the teams inestimable sums of money to develop. Former driver Michael Schumacher, meanwhile, who remains close to the team, voiced his support for the system, saying that road cars and the environment will reap the benefits. All the while, Ferrari prepares to sell its system to other teams, starting with Force India, which, alongside Scuderia Toro Rosso, already buys its engines from Ferrari.

[Source: Autoblog Green and F1-Live]

Ferrari split as Formula One goes hybird originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1 hybridf1 kersF1HybridF1Kersferrari kersFerrariKersformula one kers hybridFormulaOneKersHybridkerskinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyRecoverySystemschumacher kersSchumacherKersWed, 23 Apr 2008 16:29:00 EST