Autoblog

Hyundai Genesis Coupes from ARK Performance and Cosworth at SEMA

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

Hyundai has brought along two high-performance Genesis Coupes to the SEMA Show to augment is huge fleet of Velosters, Elantras and other modified Korean goodies. We've already dropped the knowledge on both the Cosworth Genesis Racing Series Concept (above, right in blue) - tuned by Cosworth, as you can probably tell - and the Genesis Coupe R-Spec (above, left) that was tuned by ARK Performance.

To recap: the ARK car is rocking 395 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque from its 3.8-liter V6. The Cosworth car, meanwhile, is pumping out 389 horses from its V6 - and despite the name, neither Cosworth nor Hyundai has announced an actual racing series for the car. Have a gander at both in our galleries of live images, here and here.

Hyundai Genesis Coupes from ARK Performance and Cosworth at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford teases five SEMA-bound Focus ST concept cars

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

Ford has revealed a few images of five tuned Focus ST concepts that will be shown off at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this month. None of this group of five is overly subtle, which would run counter to the spirit of SEMA itself, and all hope to highlight the performance nature of Ford's newest hot hatch. In no particular order then, here are the quick-and-dirty facts on each car, in advance of the full details out of Vegas:

2013 Ford Focus ST by Tanner Foust Racing (top): X Games warrior Tanner Foust wanted his ST to be able to go from work to the track, while not being too harsh for commuting in Southern California. A body kit, MagnaFlow exhaust and fully adjustable front and rear suspension have been added.
2013 Ford Focus ST by Bojix Design (upper left): The Bojix Design car stands out mostly for its eye-catching orange paint, black hood and low-rider stance. Upgraded brakes and coil-over springs are noted performance adds.
2013 Ford Focus ST by M&J Enterprises (upper right): M&J partnered with Ford, Cosworth LLC for ultimate performance. Ford Racing engine and suspension upgrades result in an aggressively fast car putting out some 330 horsepower.
2013 Ford Focus ST by Galpin Auto Sports (lower left): The sinister Galpin car, rocking some shockingly green wheels, was meant as a rally car-inspired build. The menacing looks of the body kit are backed by methanol injection and larger brakes, creating a car that the tuner claims is rally-ready.
2013 Ford Focus ST by Steeda Autosports (lower right): Steeda has added its own "G-Trac" suspension to its SEMA Focus, as well as Brembo brakes and a custom 19-inch wheel and tire package.

Continue reading Ford teases five SEMA-bound Focus ST concept cars

Ford teases five SEMA-bound Focus ST concept cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bloodhound SSC test-fires engine, land-speed record is in danger

Zach Bowman — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, UK, Specialty

If you remember the Bloodhound Supser Sonic Car, you know the team behind the monstrosity is out to make sure the land-speed record remains in British custody for the foreseeable future. Currently, the record sits at 763 miles per hour, set by the ThrustSSD in 1997, but the Bloodhound gang wants to see that number upped to 1,050 mph. On land.

For those of you who are counting, that's Mach 1.4.

The team is already well on its way. It just completed the first test firing of its rocket system, and the get up produces a whopping 14,000 pounds of thrust.

The engine sucks down a liquid peroxide and solid synthetic rubber fuel mix and will work in conjunction with a Cosworth CA2010 F1 V8 engine to scoot the Boodhound down the salt flats. If that's not cool enough to ice your cucumbers, the whole kit was designed by 28-year-old, self-trained rocket engineer Daniel Jubb. Look out below for a video of the test run, completed in the safety of a bomb shelter.

Continue reading Bloodhound SSC test-fires engine, land-speed record is in danger

Bloodhound SSC test-fires engine, land-speed record is in danger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cosworth, Hyundai building Genesis Racing Series concept for SEMA

Zach Bowman — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai, Design/Style

Hyundai is gearing up for this year's SEMA Show in a big way. The Korean automaker has partnered up with Cosworth to develop a special Genesis Coupe. The Cosworth CGRS Concept boasts a 389-horsepower version of the factory 3.8-liter, direct-injection V6. That's a respectable jump of 41 horsepower over the stock six cylinder, and the additional power comes courtesy of a Cosworth intake and exhaust, new engine control parameters and improved thermal management. A Cosworth big brake system and suspension help keep the coupe pointed in the right direction. This is SEMA, however, which means the coupe also gets a slathering of interior and exterior tweaks.

Inside, Cosworth served up a steering wheel, shift knob, pedals, shift boot and sports seats, while slathering the vehicle's body in satin and gloss blue paint. The stock front fascia was ditched in favor of a new piece with integrated carbon fiber brake ducts. Speaking of the composite, Cosworth whipped up a front splitter, side skirt, rear diffuser and trunk lid spoiler from the stuff just for this car. Look for the Cosworth Genesis Coupe to debut at the SEMA Show next month. Until then, check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Cosworth, Hyundai building Genesis Racing Series concept for SEMA

Cosworth, Hyundai building Genesis Racing Series concept for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1975 Chevy Cosworth Vega with just 291 miles

Chris Tutor — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Auctions, Hatchback

In 1970, General Motors vice president John DeLorean wanted more power for the Chevrolet division's Vega. After five years of development, the Cosworth Vega was born. Sometime that year, somebody in Farmington, Ill. bought Cosworth Vega No. 1,094 of 2,061 cars built that year and promptly stored it away.

After changing hands several times, including in 2000 for $9,500 then again a few years later for $28,600 at a Mecum auction, No. 1094 is again available to a new owner. The eBay Motors Buy-It-Now price from RK Motors of Charlotte, NC is $34,900 - no small ask.

However, this is quite possibly the lowest miles, most pristine 1975 Cosworth Vega extant. The odometer shows only 290 miles, and the satin black paint is all original. Inside, the carpet looks factory fresh, and the engine-turned bezel around the instruments gleams like the day it was born.

Even if you're not a Cosworth Vega fan, check out our gallery for a quick trip back to 1975.

eBay Find of the Day: 1975 Chevy Cosworth Vega with just 291 miles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Singer teams up with Cosworth as it delivers its third custom 911

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Singer 911 No. 3 in white - Click above for high-res image gallery

To the untrained eye, a new Porsche 911 might look pretty much the same as an old one. But to the enthusiast, there's a world of difference. Namely that, while the latest Neun-Elfer has the benefit of decades of engineering development, the original still has the classic look. Solution: Singer.

As we've shown you previously, the Singer Design 911 combines the best of both worlds with a modern chassis and drivetrain cloaked in the classic lines of the original, painstakingly recreated in immaculate detail. And two new technical partnerships promise to make 'em even better.

Renowned British engineering firm Cosworth - the same that has powered Formula One cars since 1963 and currently motivates the likes of Williams and Virgin Racing - will now be preparing the air-cooled flat-six engines for Singer. Meanwhile, the carbon-fiber bodies will be made by the Aria Group, a company best known for crafting concept cars and prototypes for a wide array of automakers.

Starting at $190,000 and extending beyond the $300k mark, the Singer 911 ain't cheap, and sure ain't as common as a factory 911. In fact, Singer has only made a few of them, delivering its third example painted in white (following the previous units in green and orange) to one assuredly very happy customer. We've got a fresh batch of breathtaking photographs of the latest Singer in the included gallery, so check it out and follow the jump for the full press blast.

Continue reading Singer teams up with Cosworth as it delivers its third custom 911

Singer teams up with Cosworth as it delivers its third custom 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Project Kahn, Cosworth squeeze 500 hp out of diesel Range Rover

Noah Joseph — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Land Rover, Diesel, Luxury

Range Rover Sport RS500 by Project Kahn and Cosworth - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's a grand tradition to enormously powerful and torquey diesel sport-utes. Most of them come from the Volkswagen group - like the Touareg V10 or the Audi Q7 V12 TDI - but this, as you might have guessed, is no VW. It's a Range Rover, uut one that's been thoroughly worked over.

The modifications have been carried out through the joint efforts of Project Kahn and Cosworth - two British tuners that have been working together for the past couple of years. Their latest product started life as the thoroughly capable and luxurious Range Rover Sport with the 4.4-liter V8 diesel. With 313 horsepower, the diesel Rover is hardly a slouch, but Cosworth has taken it a step further (and then some) by squeezing out a whopping 500 horsepower.

To go with the massive upgrade in output, Kahn has given the Range Rover an extensive cosmetic update both inside and out, with new bumpers from and rear, side skirts, 22-inch wheels and an interior decked out in billet aluminum and perforated & quilted leather trim. Check it out in the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Range Rover Sport RS500 by Project Kahn and Cosworth

[Source: Project Kahn]

Project Kahn, Cosworth squeeze 500 hp out of diesel Range Rover originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Project Kahn working on Cosworth-powered Range Rover Evoque

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Land Rover, UK, Luxury, Off-Road

It's not every day that a new Range Rover is introduced. But when one is, you can count on Azfal Kahn and his crew to go to work on it. And the new Evoque appears to be no exception.

Beyond the photo above, all Project Kahn has released so far about its tuning program for the Evoque is that (a) it's working on one, (b) it's coming some time in the new year and (c) it'll be powered by Cosworth. Kahn has worked with the racing engine manufacturer on previous projects, so that's no big revelation by itself, but it'll be interesting to see what the two British firms have got in store for the new baby Rover beyond a set of flashy rims.

[Source: Project Kahn via autoblog.nl]

Project Kahn working on Cosworth-powered Range Rover Evoque originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mexico's Mastretta releases a few lines about MXT sports car for Paris

Chris Paukert — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:14:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Specialty, South America

Mexican sports car intender Mastretta has officially announced that it will reveal the production version of its MXT at this month's Paris Motor Show.

Longtime Autoblog readers may recall that the Latin auto was actually expected to go on sale back in 2009, but for unknown reasons, it evidently hasn't made it into serial production yet. Previously shown iterations of the MXT have been powered by a 2.0-liter Ford Duratec four-cylinder, with the promise that a production model would be turbocharged and fettled by the enginemeisters at Cosworth. The target back then was a modest 240 horsepower, but with an expected weight of under a ton, 0-60 mph was expect in under five seconds.

At this point, we're not sure if the car will look like the model revealed in 2007, let alone how many MXTs are planned, or at what cost. Back in 2008, Mastretta indicated that they were targeting about 150 units per year, with fully 70 percent of production earmarked for Europe and the United States. Click past the jump for the company's announcement and check out our gallery of the original MXT below.

Gallery: Mastretta MXT

[Source: Mastretta]

Continue reading Mexico's Mastretta releases a few lines about MXT sports car for Paris

Mexico's Mastretta releases a few lines about MXT sports car for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lotus to increase involvement in Indy

Noah Joseph — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus

Lotus is back in IndyCars, and it's there to stay. After launching its own F1 team (in name, anyway) and announcing its intentions to expand further into other forms of motorsport, the legendary British firm revealed its sponsorship - together with engine partner Cosworth - of one of KV Racing's cars in the IndyCar Series, which former F1 driver Takuma Sato has been piloting (with limited success) this season.

Now Lotus is hinting at increased involvement in the series for next season and beyond, but has not indicated just what that might entail. The car it currently fields is neither built by Lotus nor powered by Cosworth: it's a Dallara chassis and a Honda engine, as per the series regulation. In fact, Lotus doesn't even run the car itself - that it leaves up to KV Racing Technology, the team run by former Champ Car chief Kevin Kalkhoven.

The Indy Racing League just recently revealed a new formula that will take effect beginning in 2012, using a Dallara chassis open to aerodynamic development by each team. The new engine formula, meanwhile, has been opened up to any manufacturer interested in pitching in, ostensibly opening the door to a Cosworth engine package. Lotus, meanwhile, may decide to develop its own aero package, but whether it would be the Malaysia-based F1 team or the England-based automaker that would spearhead the project remains to be seen.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Nick Laham/Getty]

Report: Lotus to increase involvement in Indy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Race-spec Tramontana to receive Cosworth V10

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: MISC, Racing

Tramontana R - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's a precarious game making a racing car for the road. The Caparo T1 never seemed to have gotten off the ground, close as it was to a road-going F1 racer. The Tramontana is just about as close, but at half a million euros, the niche automaker is reportedly having trouble finding buyers.

The solution? Tap into the racing market. According to emerging reports from across the pond, Tramontana is considering replacing the twin-turbo V12 sourced from Mercedes with a Cosworth V10 for the competition model. The British engineering firm is known to many for its Formula One engine program: While it currently supplies 2.4-liter V8s to Williams, Lotus, HRT and Virgin, as recently 2006 it was still building 3.0-liter V10s for Scuderia Toro Rosso.

Cosworth also has plenty of expertise building engines for other racing series as well as roadcars, so there's plenty to tap into to transform the Tramontana from a road-garbling beast to a curb-chomping racer.

Gallery: Tramontana R

[Source: AutoWeek.nl - translated]

Rumormill: Race-spec Tramontana to receive Cosworth V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cosworth puts the spurs to Subaru's Impreza WRX STI

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, UK

Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 - Click above for image gallery

This is the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400, the car Cosworth said would "humble" supercars. With a 0-to-62 sprint happening in just 3.7 seconds it'll be quicker than a whole bunch of exotics, and at £49,995 ($71,368 U.S.), it'll be a whole lot cheaper as well. If that sounds like a boatload of cash for a warmed-over WRX, well, it is. But bear in mind that thanks to factors like the 17.5 percent Value Added Tax, UK pricing is rather different than what pricing in the States would likely look like were Cosworth to sell the CS400 here.

The 395-horsepower, 398-pound-foot Cossie Scooby benefits from a thorough rework of its boxer-engined details, boasting new pistons, con-rods, turbocharger, exhaust and ECU mapping among its many modifications. Aiding the Impreza's all-wheel drive get power to the ground is a lowered suspension with components from Bilstein and Eibach.

Looks-wise, a different front bumper fitted with mesh inserts, a rear spoiler, a track widened by 12 millimeters, and 18-inch alloys over bigger AP brakes will make sure Subaru cognescenti don't confuse you with anything else. Identification will also be made easier by the fact that there will only be 75 made for the UK market only, and available it'll be available in red, silver, and dark gray. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Cosworth Impreza STI CS400

[Source: Cosworth via Autocar]

Cosworth puts the spurs to Subaru's Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevron GR8 ready for first round of new Challenge Series

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: UK, MISC, Racing

Chevron GR8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fast. It's what every sportscar and racing car manufacturer has in its sights, but Chevron - as deep as its history runs - has found speed in another regard. It's been barely six months since the British firm announced the GR8 project, and though few thought it could be done, the first batch is already built, and the one-make racing series they're earmarked for is set to kick off this coming weekend.

The Chevron GR8 is a lightweight racing car powered by a relatively modest 255-horsepower ]two-liter Cosworth engine, placed smack in the middle of a compact steel spaceframe with fiberglass bodywork. Chevron apparently considered going with carbon composite construction, but cost aside, the gestation period would have taken much longer. Instead, after only half a year has gone by from concept to construction, the first ten examples are ready - and spoken for - for their first race this weekend at Silverstone. By the second round at Brands Hatch on June 19, Chevron plans to have doubled the grid with the second batch. Now that's what we call fast.

Check out the renderings in the gallery below for a closer look at the new GR8, and stay tuned for an update with images of the finished car undergoing testing.

Gallery: Chevron GR8

[Source: Chevron via PistonHeads]

Chevron GR8 ready for first round of new Challenge Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cosworth says its new Impreza will have "supercar humbling" performance

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, UK

Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 teaser shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

A couple of years ago, any mention of engine maker Cosworth was often greeted with "Oh, that's right, Cosworth... I remember them." Now the 52-year-old English purveyor of finely engineered goods is back in Formula 1 in a big way, and it's got a Subaru planned that will make everyone take note. The Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will have 395 horsepower (400 PS) and take 1.5 seconds off the WRX STI's 0-to-60 time: from 5.2 seconds to 3.7.

We've only got teaser shots for the moment, but this thing should sear the eyeballs in more ways than one when we finally see it. Follow the jump for a little more info, and whet your palate for the super Scooby, on sale in June and limited to just 75 units, with the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Cosworth Impreza

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Cosworth says its new Impreza will have "supercar humbling" performance

Cosworth says its new Impreza will have "supercar humbling" performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Lotus, Cosworth back in the IndyCar series

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Honda, Lotus

Lotus Cosworth KV Racing IndyCar rendering - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus is officially returning to the IndyCar series in 2010 in partnership with engine builder Cosworth and KV Racing. Lotus, as you well know, has a long history with Indy-style open-wheel racing, dating back to the early 1960s. Its exploits include a victory by Jim Clark in 1965 and the all-wheel-drive, turbine-powered cars that arrived a few years later.

A few weeks ago, Lotus announced a revival of its cooperation with Cosworth for both road and race cars. The new collaboration with KV is described as being both technical and commercial. It's not clear at this point what Cosworth will contribute from a technical perspective, since all the current IndyCars run Honda V8s. Perhaps KV will provide a platform upon which Cosworth can test and develop a new engine for the next-generation IndyCar regulations that are in the works.

The green and yellow Lotus/Cosworth-badged car will debut in two weeks at the St. Petersburg, Florida race with ex-Honda F1 pilot Takuma Sato at the controls.

Gallery: Lotus Cosworth IndyCar

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Officially Official: Lotus, Cosworth back in the IndyCar series

Officially Official: Lotus, Cosworth back in the IndyCar series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus and Cosworth team up for high performance engines

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Lotus, Racing

Jarno Trulli shakes down the Lotus Evora Cup racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ham and eggs. macaroni and cheese, chocolate and bacon (a new personal favorite!). Some things just naturally go together. Such is the case for Lotus and Cosworth. In 1967 when Keith Duckworth, Mike Costin and Ford got together to create the DFV Formula One engine, Lotus was the first team to install it in a car. Ultimately, the DFV won 12 world drivers championships and 10 F1 constructors titles.

Lotus and Cosworth are now back together again working on high-performance engines. The current-generation Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora are all powered by Toyota-derived engines, and now Cosworth will be uprating these engines for new Lotus road and race machines, starting with the new Evora Cup car. The GT4-class Evora is propelled by a 400-horsepower 4.0-liter version of Toyota's V6 engine with dry-sump lubrication all supplied by the engine specialists. We can't wait to see what Cosworth cooks up for the new Esprit... if and when it ever arrives.

Gallery: Lotus Evora Cup

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus and Cosworth team up for high performance engines

Lotus and Cosworth team up for high performance engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Cosworth getting its magic mitts on Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru

Here's some extra happy news, especially if you're into that whole turbocharged, AWD rally thing. Autocar reports that legendary English engine tuner Cosworth has gotten its mitts all over the mighty Subaru WRX STI. Described as a "one-off, special project," it sounds as if Cosworth will be tweaking the engine, suspension and body. Long story short: YES!

As for details, we don't have any. Autocar says that specifications and pricing will become available when closer to the car's on sale date in March. A Cosworth spokesperson has said that the improved upon STI, "will raise the bar for all-wheel-drive, high-performance motoring." Sounds good to us, especially as the current STI has always felt about 85 percent finished to us. For what it's worth, Cosworth has a pretty special history when it comes to tuning rally cars. Ford RS200 anyone? We'll let you know more as soon as we can.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition

[Source: Autocar, CAR]

Report: Cosworth getting its magic mitts on Subaru Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virgin Racing VR-01: Revealed for the very first time

Noah Joseph — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Racing

2010 Virgin Racing VR-01 - Click above for image gallery

If you were one of the thousands of fans who surfed over to Virgin Racing's website the other day expecting to watch the live reveal of the team's very first Formula One car, you were likely disappointed. Technical glitches prevented the webcast from going live on schedule, but we'll chalk the silicon snafu up to opening night jitters. That's understandable, though, because Virgin Racing is one of several new teams that started from scratch this year to join the F1 grid.

After flirting with Brawn GP sponsorship last season, Richard Branson's Virgin group took over the start-up team previously known as Manor Motorsport. Powered by Cosworth, former Toyota F1 driver Timo Glock will team up with rookie Lucas di Grassi, who finished behind Glock in the 2007 GP2 Series.

Webcast aside, the Virgin VR-01 is a technological achievement in its own right. It's the first F1 car designed entirely on computer - using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) processors - with no models built for wind tunnel aerodynamic testing. The striking car - in red and black with a tribal-style tattoo design - is heading to Silverstone for its first shakedown before joining the next group test at Jerez. Hopefully the webcast will be their only glitch in taking on the established teams (and the other newcomers) in what's shaping up to be the most exciting F1 season in decades.

Gallery: 2010 Virgin Racing VR-01

[Source: Virgin Racing]

Virgin Racing VR-01: Revealed for the very first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Court rejects rejected F1 team

Noah Joseph — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal

Hell hath no fury like a racing team scorned. Among the dozen teams that lodged bids this year to join the F1 grid for 2010 was N.Technology. The racing outfit is known to some European fans as the squad that fielded race-prepped Alfas in various touring car series (pictured above), but its bid was ultimately rejected by the FIA in favor of Campos, Manor and USF1, Lotus joining the roster in BMW's stead after N.Technology had withdrawn its bid.

Citing irregularities in the selection process, N.Technology and its parent company MSC Organization Ltd. (itself an organizing body responsible for the International Formula Master feeder series) sued the FIA in French courts. According to the plaintiffs, the FIA only selected teams that were willing to use the Cosworth engine package which the governing body commissioned. N.Technology wasn't interested, while the teams that were selected all agreed to use Cosworth power.

Unfortunately for N.Technology and MSC, the French courts didn't see things their way, and rejected the rejected entry's claims. Some people just can't win.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty]

REPORT: Court rejects rejected F1 team originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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F1 teams play musical engines as Cosworth emerges the favorite for 2010

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Rumormill

As it turns out, the addition of four new teams, the departure of BMW Sauber and a massive game of musical chairs in the driver's market aren't the only big changes in store next year in Formula One. As this year's championship winds to a close, reports emerge that several teams are switching their engine partners for next year.

Following earlier reports that McLaren could fully divorce from Mercedes and acquire arch-rival BMW's engine operations, new reports indicate that both Red Bull and Williams are switching engine suppliers for the upcoming season. Williams announced a couple of weeks ago that it was terminating its deal with Toyota early due to dissatisfaction with the performance of the Japanese engine package. While the independent British team had reportedly been negotiating with Renault, inside information now indicates that Williams will take advantage of the new Cosworth package for next season instead.

Meanwhile, Red Bull could end up with the Cosworth package as well. The team has revealed that it is considering staying with Renault or alternatively switching to either Mercedes, Toyota or Cosworth. Unsatisfied with the Renault package and with McLaren reportedly vetoing RBR's tie-in with Mercedes, it's now apparently down to Toyota and Cosworth. Insiders point out that with the ban on engine development still in place for the returning manufacturers, Cosworth is the only provider capable of developing a new engine.

The two veteran teams would be joining Manor, Campos, Lotus and USF1 under Cosworth power. Ferrari, Renault and Toyota will, of course, continue building their own engines. If McLaren doesn't absorb BMW's engine department in time, it will likely stick with Mercedes, while Brawn and Force India are expected to continue with Mercedes power as well. That leaves Toro Rosso, which has yet to confirm if it will continue using Ferrari engines as it has for the past three seasons.

[Sources: Autosport and F1-Live]

F1 teams play musical engines as Cosworth emerges the favorite for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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