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[VIDEO: <i>Titan</i> trailer celebrates the glory that is the Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/video-titan-trailer-celebrates-the-glory-that-is-the-nur/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/video-titan-trailer-celebrates-the-glory-that-is-the-nur/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/video-titan-trailer-celebrates-the-glory-that-is-the-nur/#commentsFiled under:

Titan movie teaser - Click above to watch video

As any parent knows, when a child finds a video he likes he can watch it a kabillion jillion times with undiminished joy. That's exactly the kid we turn into any time you cut up race footage and set it to classical music and exhaust notes. This time it's the preview of the movie Titan, by French director Stephane Benini, which strings together action from the 1000 KM of the Nürburgring and features modern and vintage racers and motorcycles.

The movie has its own Facebook page if you really want to declare your love, or you can do the secret admirer thing and just enjoy the 6-minute HD clip from YouTube after the jump. The sound of the GT2 Corvette and DB9R is nothing short of knee-trembling. Follow the jump for the clip, and try not to spill your pureed peas...

[Source: Clash Productions]

Continue reading VIDEO: Titan trailer celebrates the glory that is the Nürburgring

VIDEO: Titan trailer celebrates the glory that is the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clash productionsClashProductionsmovieNurburgringtitanvideoyoutubeFri, 27 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[FerrariChat: P4/5 Competizione still aiming for Nürburgring 24]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/ferrarichat-p4-5-competizione-still-aiming-for-nurburgring-24/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/ferrarichat-p4-5-competizione-still-aiming-for-nurburgring-24/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/ferrarichat-p4-5-competizione-still-aiming-for-nurburgring-24/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pininfarina Ferrari P4/5 Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few months ago, the internet started to rumble with rumors of a race car being built out of the incredible Pininfarina Ferrari 612 P4/5 that James Glickenhaus had commissioned at a staggering (but understandable) $4 million. A thread on Ferrari superforum FerrariChat.com put those rumors to rest -- Glickenhaus wasn't going to turn his P3/4 homage into a race car, he was going to build another car that he would take racing.

While the final product hasn't been revealed in full, the thread includes over 20 pages of Q&A between James and the rest of the F-Chat community giving several hints at what's to come. There are even several photo renderings depicting what the car might look like. What we do know is that this new P4/5 Competizione will not be Enzo/FXX/MC based -- it will be based on a Ferrari chassis and feature a Ferrari V8, with Glickenhaus saying that a V12 isn't practical because of fuel consumption.

Engineering has already begun on this dedicated racecar, which will hopefully get its maiden run at the Nürburgring 24 hour race next year. It will run in an open class that allows one-offs, as there are apparently no plans to homologate this retro-inspired racer. It's just Glick being Glick, building something for fun and bringing his teen memories of Ford vs. Ferrari back to life in endurance racing.

It could also be seen as a great opportunity for sponsors to get a ton of exposure. If the Competizione is anything like the road-going P4/5 in the publicity department, we'd say it's a safe bet you'll get a lot for your advertising dollars. We'll keep you posted as the car comes along, and we're already petitioning the higher-ups to include the Nürburgring 24 into our travel budget next year.


Gallery: Pininfarina P4/5 Competizione


[Source: FerrariChat]

FerrariChat: P4/5 Competizione still aiming for Nürburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enzoFerrariFerrari 612 P45ferrari enzoFerrari612P45FerrariEnzoglickenhausNurburgringnurburgring 24nurburgring 24 hoursNurburgring24Nurburgring24Hoursp45pininfarinaPininfarina P45Pininfarina P45 CompetizionePininfarinaP45PininfarinaP45CompetizioneFri, 20 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche 911 GT3 RS reportedly laps the 'Ring in 7:33]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/porsche-911-gt3-rs-reported-laps-the-ring-in-7-33/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/porsche-911-gt3-rs-reported-laps-the-ring-in-7-33/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/porsche-911-gt3-rs-reported-laps-the-ring-in-7-33/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS - click above image for hi-res gallery

Another day, another Nurburgring time report! These posts are fun for a wide variety of reasons, not the last of which is the outpouring of love and understanding showered upon me whenever I link to my pal Jack's fascinating article on what 'Ring records really mean (hint: not much). Still, what is good about Nordschleife times (and the reason why we report on them) is that it gives you a good general idea of how a car performs under the most adverse and challenging conditions possible (barring weather). Green Hell, it's said, is a bitch.

And the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (you know - the funny looking one with the pink lipstick) just lapped it in seven minutes and thirty-three seconds. Very impressive. That's almost a full minutes faster than a Chevy Cobalt SS. Er, it's almost nearly as fast as Godzilla, which can get around the Nurburgring's north track in 7:27. What's most impressive about the GT3 RS's time is the absence of forced induction and AWD. Remember, there's a 3.8-liter flat-six out back producing 450 horsepower and the car weighs very little - especially when compared to the porcine GT-R.

No word on if the record was set with PASM on or off, though we imagine off. Also, and this is going to be of special note to you Porsche fanboys, when the nameless Porsche test engineer ran the 7:33, he did it in light traffic. Meaning that Porsche feels the theoretical best for the GT3 RS is right around 7:30, whatever that means.


Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS


[Source: EVO]

Porsche 911 GT3 RS reportedly laps the 'Ring in 7:33 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 GT3 RS2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS2010Gt3Rs2010Porsche911Gt3RsChevy Coblat SSChevyCoblatSsGodzillaGT-RNurburgringNurburgring nordschleifeNurburgringNordschleifePorschePorsche 911Porsche 911 GT3 RSPorsche GT3 RSPorsche911Porsche911Gt3RsPorscheGt3RsWed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW resurrecting the M3 CSL?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/bmw-m3-csl-spy-shots-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/bmw-m3-csl-spy-shots-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/bmw-m3-csl-spy-shots-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We're not sure what to believe anymore. A bit over a year ago, reports surfaced that BMW was planning a successor to the E90-generation M3 CSL, a highly coveted, track-focused version of its legendary sports coupe. Within a month, the Bavarian automaker had announced that it was canceling the program. And then these photos show up.

This M3 test mule was seen lapping the Nürburgring with a host of modifications and little in the way of camouflage. Knowing full well that the Nordschleife is swarming with more papparazi than Lindsay Lohan's front lawn, the Bavarians had to know we'd start asking questions. The car in question appears to be sporting a big front splitter, giant rear wing, a wider track housing bigger wheels and semi-slick tires. Underneath, reports suggest the 4.0-liter V8 benefits from new valves and a carbon-fiber airbox to deliver some 470 horsepower.

Call it an M3 CSL or a roadgoing M3 GT4, but with Audi's upcoming RS5 just around the corner, the smart money's on BMW putting up a fight of some kind.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: BMW resurrecting the M3 CSL? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw cslbmw m3bmw m3 cslbmw m3 gt4bmw m3 gt4 streetBmwCslBmwM3BmwM3CslBmwM3Gt4BmwM3Gt4Streetcslm3m3 cslm3 gt4m3 gt4 streetM3CslM3Gt4M3Gt4StreetNordschleifeNurburgringNurburgring nordschleifeNurburgringNordschleifespiedspyspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 20 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Improvements to 2010 Porsche 997 Turbo slash ten seconds from 'Ring time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/improvements-to-2010-porsche-997-turbo-slash-ten-seconds-from-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/improvements-to-2010-porsche-997-turbo-slash-ten-seconds-from-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/improvements-to-2010-porsche-997-turbo-slash-ten-seconds-from-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its new-for-2010 direct-injected, 3.8-liter turbocharged flat-six, the upgraded 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo has fired a shot across the bow of the world's supercar armada. Promising better performance, better fuel economy and better emissions, this tweaked 997 should hold the fort until the 998 appears in a couple of years.

With 20 extra horsepower motivating the lightened (by 55 pounds) all-wheel drive coupe, it should be noticeably quicker than its 2009 counterpart. How much quicker? Autocar is reporting that it's a full ten seconds faster around the Nurburgring Nordschleife than a 2009 Porsche 911 Turbo. That means the new Turbo just breaks into the 7:30s at 7m 39sec.

That still puts it behind the rival Nissan GT-R at 7:28 after former Formula One driver, Toshio Suzuki, went out and shaved more than a second off the car's previous best. Of course, Porsche still has a possible Turbo S model in the works and already produces a wicked 911 GT3 RS that can probably close the official gap between them and Godzilla.


Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo


[Source: Autocar]

Improvements to 2010 Porsche 997 Turbo slash ten seconds from 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 9972010 Porsche2010 Porsche 911 Turbo2010 Porsche 9972010 Porsche 997 Turbo2010 Porsche Turbo20109972010Porsche2010Porsche911Turbo2010Porsche9972010Porsche997Turbo2010PorscheTurbo911911 turbo911Turbo997 turbo997TurboGT-Rgtrnissan gt rnissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtrNordschleifeNurburgringPorschePorsche 911 TurboPorsche TurboPorsche911TurboPorscheTurboTurboWed, 14 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin' der Nürburg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/toyota-subaru-coupe-prototype-spy-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/toyota-subaru-coupe-prototype-spy-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/toyota-subaru-coupe-prototype-spy-shots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyobaru testing on the 'Ring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's FT-86 concept, which will be officially unveiled at next week's Tokyo Motor Show, combines attractive, aggressive aesthetics, rear-wheel drive and a Subaru-sourced boxer engine with the hopes of injecting a bit of passion into the Japanese automaker's admittedly sterile lineup. And since the vehicle has reportedly been a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru all along, we've been anxiously awaiting the Subaru-branded coupe that is sure to follow.

Last week, we gave you an update regarding Subaru's progress with its half of the Toyobaru project, complete with a sketch-tastic rendering from the UK's Autocar. Fast forward to today, and although we can't be sure if this Nürburgring-circling, cobbled-together prototype is a Subaru effort or a Toyota joint, it appears to be a development of the FT-86 that we know is headed for production.

As shot here by our friends at KGP Photography, the little coupe is well disguised, but it looks like a Fuji Heavy project to us, as it shares some Subaru design hallmarks. Up front, the masked prototype takes on the basic shape of the WRX, with bold, bulging curves and a snub nose. There is no trademark Subaru hood scoop, but the big hood has a very aggressive appearance. Out back, the car's rump is also Impreza hatch-like, with a massive rear wing disguised by some heavy camo. It isn't at all clear that what's seen here is in any way, shape or form production bodywork, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the Scooby crew adopt a chunkier aesthetic than their compatriots at Toyota.

The basic layout of the vehicle also appears to favor motivation via the rear wheels, as the 2+2 cabin is pushed back over the rear axle. The Subaru will likely sport the same direct injection 2.0-liter boxer engine currently sitting under the hood of the Toyota concept. If the little boxer can indeed produce nearly 200 horsepower as has been rumored, we're thinking it will be solid punch for the Subaru, as the Toyota FT-86 is nearly a foot shorter than an Impreza and the spy photos show what appears to be a very small form factor. Add turbocharging down the line and we suspect you've got a tuner's delight capable of taking on the big boys.

Word on the street is that Subaru isn't quite sold on the idea of the Toyota-designed rear-wheel drive platform, which may or may not be able to accommodate Subaru's signature all-wheel drive setup. We're not sure that theory makes much sense if the two are collaborating on concept versions of the vehicle, and it would be difficult to understand how Subaru could enter such an agreement without first knowing whether it could add its trademark drivetrain, but we've heard this word ourselves from Subie folks as well, so perhaps Toyota is throwing some of its weight around.

Check out the high-res gallery below and our spy shooter's thoughts after the jump.


Gallery: Toyobaru Testing on the 'Ring


[Source: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin' der Nürburg

Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin' der Nürburg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ft-86fuji heavy industriesFujiHeavyIndustriesnordschleifeNurburgringrwd coupeRwdCoupespy picsspy shotspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotssubarutoyobarutoyota ft-86ToyotaFt-86Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Lexus LF-A does everything but go on sale, including drifting... sorta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/video-lexus-lf-a-does-everything-but-go-on-sale-including-drif/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/video-lexus-lf-a-does-everything-but-go-on-sale-including-drif/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/video-lexus-lf-a-does-everything-but-go-on-sale-including-drif/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

After two separate concept vehicles and years of waiting, the Lexus LF-A finally appears to be ready for prime time. The first-ever Lexus supercar has reached critical mass on the Interwebs, with Nurburgring sightings and videos of the V10-powered wunderkind on public roads. And while we're all about getting as much LF-A as possible, we can always use more, and if we had our preference, we'd like to see Toyota's new $250,000 show pony doing tricks.

Last week at Motorsport Japan 2009, the LF-A was in attendance and the 550-horsepower flagship didn't disappoint the fans on hand. Hit the jump to watch the LF-A in its racing dress, as the big-winged, heavily stickered Ferrari hunter wastes some perfectly good rubber on an unsuspecting blacktop. Beyond a few burnouts and selective drifting/donuts, the LF-A spends most of its time going Ricky Bobby, as the crowd is treated to several oval laps of the left turn variety. We definitely dig the pissed off-sounding sound track emanating from the LF-A's bowels, too, but this pre-production model would appear to exhibit some serious understeer that will hopefully be cured once production starts. Thanks for the tip, Rich!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus LF-A does everything but go on sale, including drifting... sorta

VIDEO: Lexus LF-A does everything but go on sale, including drifting... sorta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leuxslexus lf-aLexusLf-alf-aNurburgringTue, 13 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Next-gen Nissan GT-R in the works for 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/report-next-gen-nissan-gt-r-in-the-works-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/report-next-gen-nissan-gt-r-in-the-works-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/report-next-gen-nissan-gt-r-in-the-works-for-2013/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hot on the heels of reports, brought to you by British car site PistonHeads upon their visit to the Nissan's Ring-side test facility, of updates planned for the current R35-generation Nissan GT-R comes another report detailing the Japanese automaker's plans for the next-generation R36 model.

With competitors lining up to challenge the current GT-R's performance benchmark, Nissan's senior veep for global product planning, Andy Palmer, confirmed that plans are underway to succeed Godzilla with a next-generation model. The R36 will, according to the report, carry over the current model's twin-turbo V6, but with enough modifications to keep it ahead of the pack. The new GT-R is expected to hit the road by 2013 at the latest. Beyond that, Palmer didn't disclose many details, except to say that Nissan is committed to the GT-R program and won't be letting the Porsche 911 GT2 alone without a fight.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R


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

[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: Next-gen Nissan GT-R in the works for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan gt-r2013NissanGt-rAndy PalmerAndyPalmergt-rgtrnissannissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtrnurburgringr35r36Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:07:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Aston Martin releases new Rapide video chronicling development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/video-aston-martin-releases-new-rapide-video-chronicling-develo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/video-aston-martin-releases-new-rapide-video-chronicling-develo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/video-aston-martin-releases-new-rapide-video-chronicling-develo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Aston Martin Rapide - Click above to watch the video after the jump

After seeing the production Aston Martin Rapide at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, we're pretty sure it's one of the most attractive sedans ever produced. And now that we've seen the sleek looking sedan in motion, we're 100 percent sure the Rapide is a winner.

Aston Martin has released a simply stunning video of the Rapide in various stages of development, from the skid pad to the Nurburgring, kicking off with a 50 second montage with just enough Rapide to keep us interested, then another 30 seconds in the garage. From there, the Rapide heads over to Germany for some hot-lapping, then the video crescendos at the Stelvio Pass in northern Italy for some powertrain development. Hit the jump to view the video for yourself, you'll be happy you took the three minutes out of your day.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide

Continue reading VIDEO: Aston Martin releases new Rapide video chronicling development

VIDEO: Aston Martin releases new Rapide video chronicling development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideNurburgringrapiderapide videoRapideVideoFri, 02 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Milano stopped by police by the Nurburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/spy-shots-alfa-romeo-milano-stopped-by-police-by-the-nurburgrin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/spy-shots-alfa-romeo-milano-stopped-by-police-by-the-nurburgrin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/spy-shots-alfa-romeo-milano-stopped-by-police-by-the-nurburgrin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're looking at spy shots of a European hatchback and wondering, "Why should I care?", we'll tell you why. This car is, in all likelihood, coming to America. The test mule was snapped while stopped by local police, which isn't something you see every day. Oh, and it was near the Nurburgring, to boot.

The car in question is the Alfa Romeo Milano, one of a handful of new models being developed by the Italian automaker with the North American market in mind. While the MiTo effectively replaced the three-door version of the aging Alfa 147, the Milano replaces the five-door variant. Styling is fully expected to follow the example set by the MiTo and 8C Competizione, and sources suggest that the Milano could be ready for public debut at the upcoming Geneva show in March, so stay tuned.

We couldn't tell you definitively why the German police pulled the test driver over, but considering that Italian cars tend to encourage a heavy right foot and the car's proximity to the 'Ring, we can hazard a guess or two.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Milano stopped by police by the Nurburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa milanoalfa romeoalfa romeo milanoAlfaMilanoAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoMilanomilanonurburgringspiedspy photospy shotsSpyPhotoSpyShotstest muleTestMuleFri, 02 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A back on 'Ring wearing white]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/spy-shots-lexus-lf-a-back-on-ring-wearing-white/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/spy-shots-lexus-lf-a-back-on-ring-wearing-white/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/spy-shots-lexus-lf-a-back-on-ring-wearing-white/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Looks like the Lexus LF-A (LF-L?) might be closer to production than we had thought. The gang at NextAutos just posted spy pics of a very production-ready-looking white LF-A doing some more hotlapping at the Nordschleife.

Although this ages-in-the-making supercar has been trotted out at several auto shows and twice been raced in the 24 hour endurance race 'round the 'Ring, it wasn't until recently that Toyota President Akio Toyoda confirmed it for production and even stated that it will be sold in the good ole U.S. of A.

Rumors have suggested that the car might go on sale in the UK as early as October with a price tag around £250,000. At that price we might have to settle for piloting this 550-hp, V10 beast virtually in Need for Speed SHIFT. Until then, click over to NextAutos.com for a full gallery.

[Source: NextAutos.com]

Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A back on 'Ring wearing white originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus lf-aLexusLf-alf-aNürburgringnordschleifenurburgringnurburgring nordschleifeNurburgringNordschleifeFri, 18 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Lexus LF-A racer gets its obligatory split-screen Nürburgring run on]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/video-lexus-lf-a-racer-gets-its-obligatory-split-screen-nurburg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/video-lexus-lf-a-racer-gets-its-obligatory-split-screen-nurburg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/video-lexus-lf-a-racer-gets-its-obligatory-split-screen-nurburg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lexus LF-A on the Nürburgring Nordschleife - click image above to watch the video

This is fun. There's no "record" or anything like that at stake, just one man - Takayuki Kinoshita - and one supercar beating the stuffing out of each other on Germany's all too well known Nürburgring Nordschleife. The supercar in question is the soon-to-be-released Lexus LF-A with its mighty, F1 of yore sounding V10 power plant. We've seen the LF-A on der 'Ring before, but this vid still merits watching. Plus, Kinoshita (we're assuming) narrates the entire thing (sadly, we speak no Japanese).

The video is a three-screen setup with one camera pointed at the track, one on Mr. Kinoshita and a third graphical segment showing exactly where the big Lexus is on the North Track. Plus there's lots of fun around the 3:15 mark when he runs into traffic - lucky for Takayuki that no one was throwing black flags for hand gestures. In fact, traffic is a theme throughout the nearly ten minute video, as he gets bogged down repeatedly. Also, you need to check him out on The Carousel as its legendarily horrid pavement tries to shake his head off his spine. Full video after the jump. Hat tip to Ricardo!

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus LF-A racer gets its obligatory split-screen Nürburgring run on

VIDEO: Lexus LF-A racer gets its obligatory split-screen Nürburgring run on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LexusLexus LF-ALexusLf-aLF-ANurburgringNurburgring NordschleifeNurburgringNordschleifeTakayuki KinoshitaTakayukiKinoshitaWed, 26 Aug 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: On board the Radical SR8LM's record-setting Nürburgring lap]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/video-on-board-the-radical-sr8lms-record-setting-nurburgring-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/video-on-board-the-radical-sr8lms-record-setting-nurburgring-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/video-on-board-the-radical-sr8lms-record-setting-nurburgring-l/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Radical SR8LM sets the Nürburgring lap record - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Some of the best sportscars on the road are those derived from racing machinery. But by the time you take them back to the racetrack...well, that's just backwards thinking. At least, that's how it seems when you look at the Radical SR8LM. Instead of making life imitate art that's imitating life, Radical cut the shortest distance from A to B. The SR8LM is that product, and as you may have heard, it holds the new record for the fastest lap time at the Nürburgring.
Okay, so it's not so practical. But then, neither are most of the extreme performance machines out there. So instead of splitting hairs, how about climbing on board the Suzuki Hayabusa-engined street-legal Le Mans prototype-style racer-for-the-road and watch it raise the bar yet again. Sound good? Then follow the jump to watch the video. But you might want to watch it before eating, not after, because while the Radical may look ready to win races, it may also make you lose your lunch.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: On board the Radical SR8LM's record-setting Nürburgring lap

VIDEO: On board the Radical SR8LM's record-setting Nürburgring lap originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nordschleifenurburgringnurburgring lap recordnurburgring nordschleifeNurburgringLapRecordNurburgringNordschleiferadicalradical sr8radical sr8lmRadicalSr8RadicalSr8lmsr8sr8lmvideo radical sr8lmVideoRadicalSr8lmTue, 25 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Radical SR8LM sets new Nürburgring record at 6:48]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/radical-sr8lm-sets-new-nurburgring-record-at-6-48/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/radical-sr8lm-sets-new-nurburgring-record-at-6-48/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/radical-sr8lm-sets-new-nurburgring-record-at-6-48/#commentsFiled under:


Radical SR8LM at the 'Ring - Click above for image gallery

What's the best way to set the fastest lap time for a street legal car? Make it as close to a race car as possible. And that's exactly what British carmaker Radical does best. They've held the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record since running their SR8 there in 2005, setting a 6:55 lap time that remains well out of reach for anything less, well...radical, including the Dodge Viper ACR's 7:22.1 and the Gumpert Apollo Speed's 7:11.5 from just a few days ago. But never content to let their record stand, Radical headed back to Eiffel to raise the bar even further.

Upgrading on the 360 horsepower SR8 that set the record four years ago, the SR8LM was introduced in 2007 with a 455 hp modified Suzuki Hayabusa engine mounted in a compact Le Mans Prototype-style body. But despite its racecar styling and tarmac-scraping ride height, the Radical is completely street legal. Somewhere. As proof, Michael Vergers drove it down from the factory in England all the way to the vaunted German circuit, and within 24 hours, he had set the new record. The 6:48 lap time, a full eight seconds quicker than Radical's previous record, was verified by Germany's Sport Auto and England's Evo magazines using Dunlop racing slicks. Check out the press release after the jump for more details and the photos in the gallery below.


Gallery: Radical SR8LM at the Nurburgring


[Source: Radical]

Continue reading Radical SR8LM sets new Nürburgring record at 6:48

Radical SR8LM sets new Nürburgring record at 6:48 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michael vergersMichaelVergersnordschleifenurburgringnurburgring lap recordnurburgring lap timenurburgring nordschleifeNurburgringLapRecordNurburgringLapTimeNurburgringNordschleiferadicalradical carsradical rs8lmradical sr8RadicalCarsRadicalRs8lmRadicalSr8sr8sr8 lmSr8LmThu, 20 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Gumpert Apollo Sport sets new production car lap "record" at Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/gumpert-apollo-sport-sets-new-production-car-lap-record-at-nur/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/gumpert-apollo-sport-sets-new-production-car-lap-record-at-nur/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/gumpert-apollo-sport-sets-new-production-car-lap-record-at-nur/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gumpert Apollo Sport at the Nurburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche GT2? Get lost. Godzilla? Scram. Corvette ZR1? Take a hike. Dodge Viper ACR? Nothing but a big sissy. There's a new sheriff in Nordschleifeland and its name is Apollo, Gumpert Apollo. Actually, the proper name is Gumpert Apollo Sport, and on August 13, one piloted by a 26-year-old named Florian Gruber ran around the Nurburgring in 7:11:57, shattering all the other production car "records" by eleven seconds or more. Dang, right?

What makes the Apollo sport so fraggin' fast you ask? How does a 700-hp, twin-turbo'd Audi 4.2-liter FSI V8 strike you? Makes a bit more sense suddenly that little David here was able to chop down all those Goliaths, right? Anyhow, hats off to Mr. Gruber, Mr. Gumpert and the rest of the crew. Here's hoping that one day some sort of governing body sanctions 'Ring times. And we won't say a word to Radical and their "record."


Gallery: Gumpert Apollo Sport Nurburgring

gumpertapollosportring30gumpertapollosportring40gumpertapollosportring50gumpertapollosportring60gumpertapollosportring70

[Source: World Car Fans]

REPORT: Gumpert Apollo Sport sets new production car lap "record" at Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApolloApollo SportApolloSportFlorian GruberFlorianGruberGumpertGumpert ApolloGumpert Apollo SportGumpertApolloGumpertApolloSportNurburgringNurburgring NordschleifeNurburgringNordschleifeRoland GumpertRolandGumpertTue, 18 Aug 2009 15:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Devon GTX chasing the production car 'Ring record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/spy-shots-devon-gtx-chasing-the-production-car-ring-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/spy-shots-devon-gtx-chasing-the-production-car-ring-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/spy-shots-devon-gtx-chasing-the-production-car-ring-record/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Why it was just last week that we talked about the Devon GTX "setting" the one lap "record" at Laguna Seca. We actually got on the horn and called Devon, begging asking for a detail or two about the GTX's upcoming reveal at Pebble Beach in just four short days (August 15). All we could get out of 'em is that yes, the GTX has a V10 under its hood -- and that was all they'd say. "Everything will be revealed" come Pebble Beach. Oh yeah?

Spy photographers working for Autocar caught some nice shots of the GTX at -- you guessed it -- the Nurburgring. According to the Brit pub, Devon is going after the production Nurburgring time (6:55) currently held by the Radical SR8 (which hardly qualifies as a "production car," but whatevs). Our British friends also speculate that the GTX has an all carbon fiber body to keep its weight low, low, low. Also: Justin Bell, son of five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell, was at the wheel for the 'Ring attempt. We believe that last part 100% as Devon told us Justin was the driver for the Laguna Seca "record."

Obvioulsy, it's not August 15 yet but it's safe to assume a big part of the GTX's launch is going to be how it did on the Nurburgring. As Tom Leykis says, "Do you care?" Either way, that's marketing for you.

One more little point: As we learned last week, the GTX's one lap Laguna Seca time was one tenth of a second faster than the Dodge Viper ACR. Laguna Seca is two miles long, the Nordschleife section of the Nurburgring is fourteen miles long. Taking all the other variables off the table and the GTX could run the 'Ring about half a second quicker than the Viper ACR. To refresh your memory banks, the Viper ACR did the deed in 7:22, and the GTX is chasing 6:55.

[Source: Autocar]



Spy Shots: Devon GTX chasing the production car 'Ring record originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Derek BellDerekBellDevonDevon GTXDevon MotorworksDevonGtxDevonMotorworksDodge ViperDodge Viper ACRDodgeViperDodgeViperAcrGTXJustin BellJustinBellLaguna SecaLagunaSecaNurburgringNurburgring NordschleifeNurburgringNordschleifePebble BeachPebbleBeachViperTue, 11 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Ford Focus RS falls short of record with 8:26 Nürburgring lap time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/video-ford-focus-rs-falls-short-of-record-with-8-26-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/video-ford-focus-rs-falls-short-of-record-with-8-26-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/video-ford-focus-rs-falls-short-of-record-with-8-26-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

Point to point, the Ford Focus RS is touted as the fastest vehicle the company has ever made. It reportedly lapped Ford's Lommel test track in Belgium, where we had the chance to sample the second-fiddle Focus ST, faster than the Ford GT supercar. But it's still wasn't fast enough to set a new Nurburgring lap record for its class.

As promised, Ford took its latest hot hatch around the 'Ring in pursuit of the front-drive record currently held by the track-focused Renaultsport Megane R26.R, which set a blistering time of 8 minutes, 17 seconds. Ford's time? 8 minutes, 26 seconds. The session, which you can watch in the pair of videos after the jump, was held in conjunction with German car mag Sport-Auto, whose editor-in-chief Horst von Saurma-Jeltsch, a noted master of the Nordschleife, performed the driving duties. And while the Focus RS may have come up some nine seconds slower than the Renault, you can bet Ford will give it another shot or two before claiming defeat.


Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)


[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford Focus RS falls short of record with 8:26 Nürburgring lap time

VIDEO: Ford Focus RS falls short of record with 8:26 Nürburgring lap time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focusfocus rsFocusRsfordford focusford focus rsford focus rs nurburgringFordFocusFordFocusRsFordFocusRsNurburgringNrburgringnurburgringnurburgring lap recordnurburgring lap timeNurburgringLapRecordNurburgringLapTimeringMon, 10 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas tuner developing turbocharged V6 Camaro to take on GT-R's 'Ring record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/texas-tuner-developing-turbocharged-v6-camaro-to-take-on-gt-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/texas-tuner-developing-turbocharged-v6-camaro-to-take-on-gt-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/texas-tuner-developing-turbocharged-v6-camaro-to-take-on-gt-rs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS -- click above image for high-res gallery

Must. Beat. Godzilla. For some reason. Here's the skinny. A tuner company called East Texas Muscle Cars is fitting a couple of turbos to a 2010 V6 Camaro in order to "beat" the 'Ring time laid down by none other than the Nissan GT-R. That leaves us with two questions then: how and why?

Lots of folks are going to buy V6 Camaros, grok the 304 hp V6, scratch their heads and say, "More power." In other words, there's a market. ETMC will rip the guts come out of the 3.6-liter LLT and throw in forged rods, crank and pistons. And then, of course, you get the two Squires Turbo Systems turbos. These are remote-mounted turbos that bolt up under the car near the exhaust. With such a system, you're basically trading a bit of lag for increased cooling and no need to mess around with new headers. East Texas thinks they can wring 500 horses out of the system no problem.

Then there's the matter of dealing with the stock Camaro's "tremendous understeer and cradle walk." That's pretty necessary if you want to do battle with a R35, which neither understeers nor cradle walks nor really does anything bad or sloppy. East Texas Muscle Cars will be addressing those issues via harder bushings and Pedders coil-overs, along with a Baer big brake kit and lightweight forged 20-inch wheels.

Then there's the question: Why? Why go after Godzilla, such a high profile target? Unless you're building Clubber Lang, why call out Rocky? Publicity, obviously. Would we even be writing about a bolt-on turbo kit for a V6 Camaro unless they publicly challenged one of the production car 'Ring masters? Probably not. But there is one part of their scheme that we do like. Once the Camaro is finished, ETMC will be flying it and a friend's stock GT-R out to Germany to run 'em both simultaneously. Since that's the case, no need to even mention the inherent fallacy of Nurburgring lap records. Good luck boys.


Gallery: 2010 Chevy Camaro


[Source: Inside Line]


Texas tuner developing turbocharged V6 Camaro to take on GT-R's 'Ring record originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CamaroCamaro V6CamaroV6East Texas Motor SportsEastTexasMotorSportsGodzillaGT-RNissanNissan GT-RNissanGt-rNurburgringNurburgring RecordNurburgringRecordR35R35 SkylineR35SkylineSkylineV6 CamaroV6CamaroFri, 07 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Devon GTX sets one-lap "record" at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/devon-gtx-sets-one-lap-record-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/devon-gtx-sets-one-lap-record-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/devon-gtx-sets-one-lap-record-at-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Devon GTX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time I brought up the fallacy of purchasing a car (or even being a fan one one) based off a "lap record," I was called a pimp and much worse. Luckily, my skin is rhino-thick - so here's me doing it again. But first, let's talk about the car claiming to be the new King of the Corkscrew, the Devon GTX. Well, we know very little. It's been speculated that the GTX is powered by Viper, meaning there's an 8.4-liter V10 beating under its presumably carbon fiber skin. Word overheard on the street is that the serpent heart has been reworked to spit out 650 horsepower, 50 more venomous ponies than stock. And that's all anyone knows. Maybe.

What we do know is that Southern California-based industrial design haus Devon Motorworks is claiming that its new car - the "next American Supercar" - just set a "production car" one-lap record around the fabled Lagauna Seca race track. Time? 1:35.075. Having driven Laguna Seca once or twice my own self - came very close to setting the all time slowest lap, thank you - that's quite a fast time. But... to quote (once more) Jack Baruth, "Lap times set on different days, under different conditions, simply aren't comparable. It's that simple. Some days are hot, some days are cool, some days there's rubber on the track, some days there's oil. The same competent driver, in the same car, might have a fifteen-second variation from one 'Ring session to the next."

Obviously, the Nurburgring is much longer than Laguna Seca - 14 miles versus two. Even still, if you divide Jack's fifteen-second variation by seven you get a bit more than two seconds, i.e. a lifetime on a racetrack. Cut that time differential in half and you're still talking over a second per lap, just based on environmental factors. For comparison's sake, a 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR lapped Laguna in 1.35.117. Is the more powerful Devon GTX only one tenth of a second quicker than the big Dodge around a two-mile track? Couldn't the wind account for that much time? Or a few birds flapping their wings? A larger point (also brought up by Jack) is that this particular lap attempt was closed to the public and (presumably) conducted by Devon. Without calling the results meaningless, we would like to point out that the brand new Autoblog Track-a-Tack-a-Kuh GTR3X just lapped Laguna in 1:35:065. What, you won't take our word for it?

Regardless of your feelings (or ours) regarding the Devon GTX, it will be making its debut next weekend at Pebble Beach. Cars should be available for public consumption come quarter one of 2010. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Devon Motor Works GTX renderings


[Source: Devon Motorworks]


Continue reading Devon GTX sets one-lap "record" at Laguna Seca

Devon GTX sets one-lap "record" at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DevonDevon GTXDevon MotorworksDevonGtxDevonMotorworksDodgeDodge ViperDodge Viper ACRDodgeViperDodgeViperAcrGTXLaguna SecaLagunaSecaNurburgringViperFri, 07 Aug 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Nürburgring Rapid Response Nissan GT-R: World's fastest fire engine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/nurburgring-rapid-response-nissan-gt-r-worlds-fastest-fire-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/nurburgring-rapid-response-nissan-gt-r-worlds-fastest-fire-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/nurburgring-rapid-response-nissan-gt-r-worlds-fastest-fire-eng/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Nürburgring Rapid Response Nissan GT-R - click above for high-res gallery

If there's one performance metric that's pure marketing hype, it has to be a vehicle's Nürburgring time. Our good pal Jack Baruth brilliantly debunked this ever-growing myth. In case you missed Jack's article, here's the gist:
"Sorry. There's no "Nürburgring lap time record" for a simple reason: Real lap time records are set by real race cars, using real timing and scoring equipment, during actual competition or sanctioned practice sessions. They aren't "self-reported" for the same reason the World's Strongest Man Contest isn't held by having everyone mail in their "results" because people can, and do, lie and cheat."
All that truth spoken to power, it's still accurate to say that certain cars generally tend to get around Green Hell faster than others. The big players lately have been the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Dodge Viper ACR, Porsche GT2 and Godzilla, better known as the Nissan GT-R. All four of these cars can scoot around the Nürburgring in 7:30, maybe a squidge faster. Again - it really doesn't matter. But one of the reasons why automakers play up these 'Ring times so much is that the Nürburgring is regarded as one of the most difficult and challenging strips of macadam anywhere - for both car and driver. To rephrase that, there are lots of accidents.

Meet the Nürburgring Rapid Response GT-R. The back seat has been removed to make way for a tank full of fire-retarding foam. The firehose itself is in the trunk, along with other flame-fightin' gear. And because the Rapid Response GT-R will be hustling round the 'Ring nearly as fast as Toshio Suzuki would flog it, there's a roll cage and carbon fiber Recaro race seats. Almost makes us wish we were German firemen. Almost.


Gallery: Nurburgring Rapid Response GT-R


[Source: Nissan Sportz via GT-R Blog]




Nürburgring Rapid Response Nissan GT-R: World's fastest fire engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GodzillaGT-RNissanNissan GT-RNissanGt-rNordschleifeNrburgringNurburgringNurburgring Rapid Response GT-RNurburgringRapidResponseGt-rR35R35 skylineR35SkylineRapid Response GT-RRapidResponseGt-rSkylineMon, 03 Aug 2009 19:59:00 EST