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[FIA GT1 Championship goes global for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/fia-gt1-championship-goes-global-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/fia-gt1-championship-goes-global-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/fia-gt1-championship-goes-global-for-2010/#commentsFiled under:


2009 FIA GT Championship at Silverstone - Click above for a high-res image gallery

After a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council earlier this month, the FIA GT Championship has announced the expansion of the racing series for next year that includes more races and international locations. The 2010 schedule features four additional races and venues on five different continents, making the battle for the GT1 title a true world championship. United Arab Emirates, South Africa, China, Brazil, and Canada will all host races along withtraditional locations like Silverstone, Paul Ricard, Brno, and Spa.

In addition to the new schedule, the racing series also announced a change in direction for the GT1 category that will now focus more on privateer teams to encourage competition and reduce costs. The GT2 and GT3 classes will remain European-only series with an emphasis on semi-pro or amateur drivers and teams. Follow the jump for the full 2010 FIA GT schedule.


Gallery: FIA GT Silverstone 2009



[Source: FIA GT]

Continue reading FIA GT1 Championship goes global for 2010

FIA GT1 Championship goes global for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 FIA GT1 World Championship2010FiaGt1WorldChampionshipFIAFIA GTFIA GT1 World ChampionshipFIA GT2 European ChampionshipFIA GT3 European ChampionshipFiaGtFiaGt1WorldChampionshipFiaGt2EuropeanChampionshipFiaGt3EuropeanChampionshipFri, 30 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[1997 McLaren F1 GTR race car for sale in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/1997-mclaren-f1-gtr-race-car-for-sale-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/1997-mclaren-f1-gtr-race-car-for-sale-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/1997-mclaren-f1-gtr-race-car-for-sale-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,


1997 McLaren F1 GTR "Long-Tail" - click above for a high res image gallery

For those whose cash reserves have not been completely depleted by the current global recession, a very special car is currently up for sale in Japan via Wintel. This racer is one of ten long-tail McLaren F1 GTRs built especially for the 1997 FIA GT season.

The F1 GTR first hit the track in 1995 when a model barely removed from the roadgoing version raced to victory at Le Mans. By 1997, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche had seen the writing on the wall, and combined with the series' updated rules, had created their own competitors, including the CLK-GTR and the 911 GT1. McLaren's 97 F1 GTR had all-new bodywork with a longer nose and tail that reduced drag and dramatically increased downforce. By this time, the new purpose-built Mercedes and Porsche cars were regularly outrunning the McLaren, although the latter did manage 197 mph on the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans. There is no indication of a price tag, although if you have to ask...

Gallery: McLaren F1 GTR - Gulf Davidoff


[Source: Wintel.co.jp]

1997 McLaren F1 GTR race car for sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FIA GTFiaGtLe MansLeMansmac f1MacF1mclarenmclaren f1mclaren f1 gtrmclarenf1MclarenF1GtrMon, 29 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIA GT Silverstone: new faces on track, old faces on the winner's stand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/fia-gt-silverstone-new-faces-on-track-old-faces-on-the-winner/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/fia-gt-silverstone-new-faces-on-track-old-faces-on-the-winner/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/fia-gt-silverstone-new-faces-on-track-old-faces-on-the-winner/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the FIA GT race at Silverstone

The 2009 FIA GT season began this weekend, with plenty of new faces showing up in the starting grid. Matech is hoping that its new Ford GT will be a contender in GT1, as does Nissan with its GT-R, and in the GT3 category the Audi R8 LMS, Alpina B6 GT3, and Ferrari 430 Scuderia all made their FIA competition debut. It was the old faces, however, that eventually came out on top. In GT1, the tried-and-true Saleen S7R run by K plus K Motorsports crossed the finish line first, just ahead of the Vitaphone Team Maserati MC12 and a Corvette C6R. In GT2, the top spot went to the Prospeed Competition Porsche GT3 RSR followed by a pair of Ferrari F430 GT2s. Lastly, it was the two Morgan teams that held off a huge grid of 35 cars to each take a victory in the double GT3 races. The R8 LMS had a fairly successful debut, claiming a third place spot in the first race and a two-three finish in the second race. We've included two high-res galleries, one for GT1/GT2 and the other for GT3 for your viewing pleasure below.


Gallery: FIA GT Silverstone 2009


Gallery: FIA GT3 Silverstone 2009


[Source: FIA GT]

FIA GT Silverstone: new faces on track, old faces on the winner's stand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 FIA GT2009 FIA GT32009FiaGt2009FiaGt3FIAFIA GTFIA GT SilverstoneFIA GT3FIA GT3 SilverstoneFiaGtFiaGt3FiaGt3SilverstoneFiaGtSilverstoneMon, 04 May 2009 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Safety First: Wiesmann MF5 sets the pace for FIA GT Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/safety-first-wiesmann-mf5-sets-the-pace-for-fia-gt-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/safety-first-wiesmann-mf5-sets-the-pace-for-fia-gt-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/safety-first-wiesmann-mf5-sets-the-pace-for-fia-gt-championship/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wiesmann MF5 FIA GT Safety Car - Click above to view in high resolution

The 2009 FIA GT Championship kicked off this weekend at England's stoic Silverstone circuit, and with it a number of new racing machines - including competition versions of the Nissan GT-R, Audi R8 and Ford GT - started their bid for the crown. But at the front of the field was another beast entirely. While other racing series tend to go with more mainstream, albeit high-end vehicles to set the pace at their events - Corvettes at Indy, Bimmers at MotoGP, Mercedes AMGs at F1 grands prix and DTM - the FIA GT Championship has opted to go with something decidedly more obscure: the Wiesmann MF5.

The niche retro sportscar is made by small German exotic automaker Weismann, and is differentiated from the stock GT by the motivation of one of the most lauded engines in autodom: the high-revving V10 from the BMW M5 and M6. With over 500 horsepower under the hood, the MF5 hits 60 in less than four seconds, giving it the pace it needs to stay ahead of the field.

[Source: Wiesmann]

Safety First: Wiesmann MF5 sets the pace for FIA GT Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 May 2009 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiafia gtfia gt championshipfia gt world championshipFiaGtFiaGtChampionshipFiaGtWorldChampionshippace carPaceCarsafety carSafetyCarweismann pace carWeismannPaceCarwiesmannwiesmann gtwiesmann mf5wiesmann safety carwiesmanngtWiesmannMf5WiesmannSafetyCarSun, 03 May 2009 10:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Reiter Engineering developing GT1-spec Lamborghini Murcielago SV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/reiter-engineering-developing-gt1-spec-lamborghini-murcielago-sv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/reiter-engineering-developing-gt1-spec-lamborghini-murcielago-sv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/reiter-engineering-developing-gt1-spec-lamborghini-murcielago-sv/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce - Click above for high-res gallery

Some automakers run their racing programs in-house, and some choose to out-source. While its principal rival falls under the former, Lamborghini opts for the latter, giving its blessing to German motorsport garage Reiter Engineering to campaign race-prepped Raging Bulls in European sportscar series. Earlier this month we brought you the first details and images on Reiter's latest racecar, a Gallardo LP560-4 prepped for the GT2 class. With that out of the way, Reiter is now reportedly turning its attention to its next project for the top-tier GT1 class. It's basis: the spankin' new Murcielago SV.

The ultimate version of the Lamborghini supercar was just revealed at the Geneva Auto Show last month, but the boffins at Reiter Engineering aren't about to waste any time. No details yet, but if the rear-drive-only LP560 GT2 is any indication, we can expect Reiter to axe the Murci's all-wheel-drive system to save weight as well. The GT1-spec Murcielago SV is being developed for the 2010 season, when the FIA GT Championship will be split into the GT2 European Championship and the GT1 World Championship. While the aforementioned LP560 will take on the former, the competition Superveloce will take on the likes of the Nismo GT-R, Ford GT and two or three more anticipated models, each supplying a maximum of two teams with two cars each, in the latter that will include races in Argentina, Australia, South Africa and the UAE in addition to the European events.

Reiter's been known to turn the racing versions of Lamborghini's roadcars back into street machinery, with examples like the Gallardo GT3 Strada and Murcielago R-GT Strada in its repertoire, but we couldn't imagine them taking the street-bound SV to even more extreme grounds... could we?


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce


[Source: Autosport]

Reiter Engineering developing GT1-spec Lamborghini Murcielago SV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fia gtfia gt1fia gt1 world championshipFiaGtFiaGt1FiaGt1WorldChampionshipgt1gt1 world championshipGt1WorldChampionshiplamborghinilamborghini murcielagolamborghini murcielago svlamborghini superveloceLamborghiniMurcielagoLamborghiniMurcielagoSvLamborghiniSupervelocemurcielago supervelocemurcielago svMurcielagoSuperveloceMurcielagoSvreiterreiter engineeringreiter gt1reiter lamborghiniReiterEngineeringReiterGt1ReiterLamborghinisupervelocesvTue, 14 Apr 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[FIA GT contenders roll out for first days of testing in 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/fia-gt-contenders-roll-out-for-first-days-of-testing-in-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/fia-gt-contenders-roll-out-for-first-days-of-testing-in-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/fia-gt-contenders-roll-out-for-first-days-of-testing-in-2009/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the FIA GT test day at the Paul Ricard circuit

The FIA GT series kicked off its season this week with the official test days at the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France. Nearly fifty cars are participating, including plenty of familiar faces like the Maserati MC12, Chevrolet Corvette, and Saleen S7R, Ferrari F430 and the Porsche GT3 RSR. New to the grid in GT1 are Nissan's GT-R entry and Matech Racing's Ford GT, both of which are the first cars to meet the FIA's 2010 regulations. In the GT3 category, Audi's R8 LMS joined fellow new entries like Alpina's B6 GT3 and the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The first race of the season is scheduled for Silverstone at the start of next month that will include the FIA GT Championship, FIA GT3 European Championship, GT4 European Cup, and the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo. Until then, enjoy the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: 2009 FIA GT Test Days


Gallery: 2009 FIA GT3 Test Days



[Source: FIA GT]

FIA GT contenders roll out for first days of testing in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FIAFIA GTFIA GT2009FIA GT3 European ChampionshipFiaGtFiaGt2009FiaGt3EuropeanChampionshipGT4 European CupGt4EuropeanCupThu, 09 Apr 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[FIA-GT1 Nissan GT-R spied, LeMans specs rumored]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/fia-gt1-nissan-gt-r-spied-lemans-specs-rumored/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/fia-gt1-nissan-gt-r-spied-lemans-specs-rumored/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/fia-gt1-nissan-gt-r-spied-lemans-specs-rumored/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R FIA-GT1

Japan's Auto Sport magazine has procured a handful of shots and some preliminary specs on the FIA-GT1-ready Nissan GT-R, and judging by the modifications and performance stats, Nissan is planning an all-out assault on the series and a possible campaign at LeMans.

In order to get the GT-R up to snuff, NISMO has fitted the super coupe with a full body kit, GT-style wing, plexiglass windows, upgraded brakes, wheels and ducting, along with a hood reminiscent of the unit fitted on the SuperGT GT500 class GT-R. Informed speculation says that Nissan has ditched the twin-turbo'd 3.8-liter V6 in favor of a V8, possibly the 4.5-liter VK45DE used on the SuperGT racer.

The Nissan GT-R LM is rumored to be putting out 542 hp and 448 lb-ft of torque with a curb weight of 3,417 pounds and a price tag somewhere in the ballpark of 18,000,000 yen, or just under $200k US. Production is rumored to be limited to 300 units total, with 10 vehicles being built each month.

The LeMans car would only be sold to teams competing in the enduro, with a price tag of 65,000,000 yen ($720k US), 592 hp, 506 lb-ft of torque and tipping the scales at 2,976 pounds. There's still no confirmation when Nissan will begin campaigning the GT-R in a series outside of SuperGT, but don't be surprised to see an LM-spec car in at least one series in 2009.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R LM, FIA-GT1


[Source: GTRCenter]

FIA-GT1 Nissan GT-R spied, LeMans specs rumored originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fia gtfia-gtfia-gt1FiaGtgt-rle manslemansnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r lmnissan gtrnissan gtr lmNissanGt-rNissanGt-rLmNissanGtrNissanGtrLmsupergtFri, 26 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: 24 Hours of Spa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/spoiler-alert-24-hours-of-spa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/spoiler-alert-24-hours-of-spa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/spoiler-alert-24-hours-of-spa/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Every racing fan has his favorite series. In most of the world, that'll probably be Formula One. In the United States, fans love their NASCAR. In parts of Europe they might follow DTM, but with few exceptions that's pretty much it. Except for Le Mans. Come June, everybody's attention turns to France. But that's just once a year, and sportscar racing continues around the world and around the calendar in such leagues as the LMS, ALMS and FIA GT Championship.

One of the most important endurance races of the year - the 24 Hours of Spa - just took place in Belgium at the Spa-Francorchamps this past weekend. If you follow the FIA GT series, you probably already know who won. But if you don't, follow the jump to see how the day-long race turned out.

[Source: Autosport, Image: Michel Krakowski/Getty]

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: 24 Hours of Spa

SPOILER ALERT: 24 Hours of Spa originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of spa24HoursOfSpafiafia gtFiaGtmaserati mc12MaseratiMc12spa francorchampsSpaFrancorchampsvitaphoneMon, 04 Aug 2008 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari F430 GT2 ready to take on all challengers in 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/ferrari-f430-gt2-ready-to-take-on-challengers-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/ferrari-f430-gt2-ready-to-take-on-challengers-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/ferrari-f430-gt2-ready-to-take-on-challengers-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click on the image above to view in high resolution

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

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

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

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Gallery: 2008 Ferrari F430 GT2

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008almsf430ferrarifia gtFiaGtgt2michelottoWed, 19 Dec 2007 11:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Matech Ford GT wins its first race in FIA GT3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/matech-ford-gt-wins-its-first-race-in-fia-gt3/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/matech-ford-gt-wins-its-first-race-in-fia-gt3/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/matech-ford-gt-wins-its-first-race-in-fia-gt3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above image for 45 more desktop wallpaper-size pics

No doubt followers of FIA GT3 racing were surprised at how well the Ford GTs from Matech ran in the first two races at Silverstone earlier this month. No one, however, was prepared for the can of whoop ass they opened up in Bucarest last weekend. Despite heavy rain at times, the two Matech Ford GTs were dominant, though not both at the same time.

The first GT3 race of the weekend was won by the #34 JMB Racing Ferrari F430, but the #43 Matech Ford GT driven by Thomas Mutsch and Martin Bartek finished second, the best result in the first three races of the season for a Ford GT. The second race of the weekend, however, concluded with the #44 Matech Ford GT driven by Stefan van Campenhoudt and Romain Bera crossing the finish line first, ahead of no less than three Porsche GT3s that were chasing it down. Romain Bera was driving the Ford GT at the race's conclusion and didn't realize until after the race that one of his rear tires had gone flat near the end. Despite that and the heavy rain, Matech left Bucharest with its first win and a solid second-place finish - an amazing result considering their program is about four months old.

We've got a gallery full of gorgeous shots from the Bucharest street race, and we threw in a lot of extra pics taken of the headlining FIA GT race, as well. We wish it were easier to follow the FIA GT series from the U.S., as watching such varied marques battling on the same track would be a dream come true, or at least better than watching NASCAR's CoT turning left all day long.

[Source: FIA GT3]

Gallery: 2007 FIA GT and GT3 race in Bucharest

Matech Ford GT wins its first race in FIA GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bucharestfia gtfia gt3FiaGtFiaGt3ford gtFordGtgt3matech ford gtMatechFordGtWed, 23 May 2007 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Mustang FR500GT and Matech Ford GT debut at FIA GT Silverstone race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/mustang-gt500-and-ford-gt-debut-at-fia-gt-silverstone-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/mustang-gt500-and-ford-gt-debut-at-fia-gt-silverstone-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/mustang-gt500-and-ford-gt-debut-at-fia-gt-silverstone-race/#commentsFiled under: ,



A while back we posted on the impending debut of two Fords in FIA GT3 class racing - the Ford FR500GT and Ford GT. Last weekend both cars debuted simultaneously at Silverstone in the GT3 class and raced alongside other contenders like the Jaguar XKR GT3, which also debuted that weekend, the Ferrari F430 GT and Lamborghini Gallardo. The Ford factory-backed FR500GT apparently didn't make a great showing, but the two Matech Ford GTs impressed everyone by holding their own before trailing off at the end. One of the GTs actually qualified second for the race in a field of 50 GT3 cars, but it only managed to finish 16th. The GT3 class race at Silverstone was actually won in a thrilling manner by the Kessel Racing Ferrari F430 Challenge, which held off a charge at the finish by the Berg Racing Lamborghini Gallardo, finishing just a half second ahead of its Italian foe.

Check out some excellent on track photography over at Supercars.net, who had a photographer on hand during the race. The pics really tell the story.

[Source: Supercars.net]

Mustang FR500GT and Matech Ford GT debut at FIA GT Silverstone race originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FIA GTFiaGtGT3maltechmaltech ford gtMaltechFordGtTue, 08 May 2007 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1997 Lotus Elise FIA GT-1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-1997-lotus-elise-fia-gt-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-1997-lotus-elise-fia-gt-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-1997-lotus-elise-fia-gt-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the photo for a gallery of the Elise GT1

For an all too brief period in the mid-90s, racing fans were treated to the sight of the fastest road-going exotic cars in the world competeting against each other on the world's stage. It began in 1994 with the victory of the Dauer 962LM. The 962LM was an 80's era Group C Porsche 962 that had been modified for road use, and then brought back to Le Mans under the new GT rules. Following the success of the McLaren F1 taking 1st, 3rd,4th, and 5th overall at Le Mans in 1995 with an almost stock car, many other teams started preparing cars like the Ferrari F40, Jaguar XJ220 and Lotus Esprit for the BPR GT series, which was later subsumed by the FIA..

What began with production exotics being modified with the necessary safety equipment to race, quickly evolved into manufacturers seizing an opportunity. The rules required a minimum number of road legal examples to be built and then modified for racing. Companies like Porsche and Mercedes seized on this to design pure race cars which were then dialed back just enough so they could be licensed, which ultimately resulted inthe 911 GT1 and CLK-GTR.

Lotus created a GT1 version version of the Esprit, which had been racing with some success in lower classes like GT2 and the SCCA World Challenge in the US. The then twenty-year-old Esprit just couldn't cut in the big leagues, though, so the new turbocharged V-8 was moved to a new platform. The Lotus Elise was still new to the world when Lotus decided to stretch the body longer and wider and put the V-8 in the back for the 1997 FIA GT series. The Lotus V-8 was also inadequate for competition and the race cars instead used the LT5 V-8 that Lotus had designed earlier for the Corvette ZR-1. Unfortunately, the little racers from Hethel couldn't keep up with the Germans and a lack of resources prevented adequate development so the project was largely abandoned. One of the seven Elise GT1s that were built, however, is available on eBay right now and, at the time of writing, hasn't yet hit the reserve price.

Thanks to Mike for the tip!

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: eBay: Lotus Elise GT1


eBay Find of the Day: 1997 Lotus Elise FIA GT-1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Apr 2007 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Elise GT1EliseGt1FIA GTFiaGtLeMansSat, 28 Apr 2007 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Lamborghini earns first motorsports win in FIA GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/lamborghini-earns-first-motorsports-win-in-fia-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/lamborghini-earns-first-motorsports-win-in-fia-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/lamborghini-earns-first-motorsports-win-in-fia-gt/#commentsFiled under: ,



While its sister ship struggled a bit, the #7 All-Inkl Racing Lamborghini Murcièlago R-GT ran strong all race, and managed to grab Lamborghini's first international racing trophy in its maiden outing. Drivers Christophe Bouchut and Stefan Mücke held off a pair of hard-charging Z06 Corvettes at Zhuhai International Circuit, with all three finishing within four seconds of each other.

The race not only marked the debut of the R-GT, but also of the FIA's new GT race format. For the 2007 season, GT races follow a new two-hour format that appears to have given organizers what they had hoped for - some really close racing. A late safety car deployment meant that pit strategy ended up being pretty important in this one, but that shouldn't take anything away from Lamborghini's impressive debut. After the final restart they rattled off a string of fastest laps to stay ahead for good. Kudos to Lambo. Check out the cool gallery available at Supercars.net by following the links.

[Source: Lamborghini via Supercars.net]

Lamborghini earns first motorsports win in FIA GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>All-Inkl RacingAll-inklRacingChristophe BouchutChristopheBouchutFIA GTFiaGtLamborghiniLamborghini Murciélago R-GTLamborghiniMurciélagoR-gtMurcielago R-GTMurcielagoR-gtStefan MückeStefanMückeZhuhaiMon, 26 Mar 2007 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[It's almost Christmas... Corvette C6R-001 for sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/11/its-almost-christmas-corvette-c6r-001-for-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/11/its-almost-christmas-corvette-c6r-001-for-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/11/its-almost-christmas-corvette-c6r-001-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Christmas is fast approaching and we may have just found the perfect gift for your favorite Corvette enthusiast. How does a one-of-a-kind racecar that is surely to become a significant part of motorsports history sound? Well, for the bargain price of $760,000 US, you can pick up the first Corvette C6R; chassis number C6R-001, in "ready to race condition."

After being campaigned in FIA GT in 2006, the car has been put up for sale by its current owner, Mike Henzemans of GLPK Carsport. Henzemans purchased the car from GM's Chevrolet Corvette Racing team at the end of the 2005 season and has campaigned it privately in the meantime.

Let's see Santa deliver that without waking the neighbors!

See the advertisement for the car after the jump!

[Source: Winding Road]

Continue reading It's almost Christmas... Corvette C6R-001 for sale

It's almost Christmas... Corvette C6R-001 for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C6RC6R-001CorvetteFIA GTFiaGtGLPK CarsportGlpkCarsportracingSat, 11 Nov 2006 18:38:00 EST