Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nissan taking orders for new GT3-spec Nismo GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/nissan-taking-orders-for-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/nissan-taking-orders-for-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/nissan-taking-orders-for-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3

What would a Nissan GT-R be without the racing pedigree that's helped make it what it is today? The truth is that we don't even want to know. But we don't have to, because the car known as Godzilla is as devastating on the race track as it is on the street.

Very different racing versions have been made to challenge the FIA GT1 World Championship and for Japan's own Super GT series, the latter powered by a naturally aspirated V8 to satisfy regulations instead of the twin-turbo V6 in the production model. Getting your hands on either of these, however, could prove a bigger challenge than passing one in a race. Fortunately, Nissan has just released a competition-spec GT-R you can buy.

Co-developed by Nismo (Nissan's in-house tuning department) and JR Motorsports (which campaigns a pair of GT-Rs in the aforementioned GT1 series), the GT3-spec model first debuted at the Magny-Cours circuit in France back in August, but is now available for order by privateer teams and gentlemen racers alike. It packs the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 as the production model, tuned to deliver 523 horsepower.

That may be slightly less than the current production model (due to the constrictions of GT3 regs) but the Nismo GT3 model also offers a fully adjustable suspension, stripped-out interior with roll cage and all the trimmings, extra cooling ducts and an aggressive aero package. The extra grip is where the extra speed comes from, and it can all be yours for a hair under 300,000 euros, or about $390k at today's rates.

Nissan taking orders for new GT3-spec Nismo GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-rgt3gtrjr motorsportsjrmnismonissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r nismo gt3nissan gt-r race carnissan gtrTue, 24 Jan 2012 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155136/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/24/nissan-taking-orders-for-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/20155136/article-detail.xml 20155136 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nismo-gt3web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nismo-gt3web.jpg <![CDATA[Sareni United's Chevrolet Camaro GT turns pony car into thoroughbred]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/sareni-uniteds-chevrolet-camaro-gt-turns-pony-car-into-thorough/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/sareni-uniteds-chevrolet-camaro-gt-turns-pony-car-into-thorough/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/sareni-uniteds-chevrolet-camaro-gt-turns-pony-car-into-thorough/#commentsFiled under: ,

Reiter Engineering's Camaro GT3 racecar

Hans Reiter, the chap you might know from Reiter Engineering and its winning Lamborghini racecars, started a company called Sareni United for one purpose: to build a Chevrolet Camaro GT3 race car. The resulting silver shockwave is powered by a 7.9-liter Katech V8 rated at up to 650 horsepower and 627 pound-feet, and the racer's lead engineer says it has lap times "similar to the Lamborghini Gallardo" but that there is still a lot of work to do.

More importantly, the plan wasn't to simply make a race-worthy Camaro, the brief was to make one one that was cost efficient enough to lure new entrants into the racing game. Planned overhauls for the engine and gearbox are at 5,000 kilometers and other parts at 10,000 km.

The Camaro GT3 has been homologated by the FIA, Reiter says two cars are already planned for use in Germany's ADAC GT Masters series and that other inquiries have been made about GT4 and touring cars. It is priced at €195,000 + VAT ($253,056 U.S.).

Sareni United's Chevrolet Camaro GT turns pony car into thoroughbred originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarocamaro gt3chevroletchevrolet camarochevrolet camaro gt3chevygt3gt3 racingreiterreiter engineeringsarenizl1Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138911/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/03/sareni-uniteds-chevrolet-camaro-gt-turns-pony-car-into-thorough/20138911/article-detail.xml 20138911 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sarenicamarogt3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sarenicamarogt3.jpg <![CDATA[Tired of Turkey? Here's 22 minutes of Porsche 911 GT3 RS rally footage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/24/tired-of-turkey-heres-22-minutes-of-porsche-911-gt3-rs-rally-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/24/tired-of-turkey-heres-22-minutes-of-porsche-911-gt3-rs-rally-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/24/tired-of-turkey-heres-22-minutes-of-porsche-911-gt3-rs-rally-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you need a little assistance getting through your annual 80-course meal and various NFL games, may we offer you some GT3 RS à la Rally? Some kind chef has cobbled together 22 minutes of footage of the Porsche that loves to get dirty doing slides and Scandinavian Flicks and making rooster tails.

This choice bit of German dessert awaits you after the jump.

Continue reading Tired of Turkey? Here's 22 minutes of Porsche 911 GT3 RS rally footage

Tired of Turkey? Here's 22 minutes of Porsche 911 GT3 RS rally footage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911gt3gt3 rsporsche 911porsche gt3 rsrallyrallyingvideoThu, 24 Nov 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20113478/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/24/tired-of-turkey-heres-22-minutes-of-porsche-911-gt3-rs-rally-f/20113478/article-detail.xml 20113478 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gt3rsrallycross_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gt3rsrallycross.jpg <![CDATA[Audi releases upgraded R8 LMS Ultra for customer racers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/audi-releases-upgraded-r8-lms-ultra-for-customer-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/audi-releases-upgraded-r8-lms-ultra-for-customer-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/audi-releases-upgraded-r8-lms-ultra-for-customer-racers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

audi r8 lms ultra

While most of the industry is busy with new debuts in Los Angeles, things aren't slowing down one bit on the racing side of the business. In the past couple of days alone, Chevrolet has debuted a new Corvette Daytona Prototype, Dacia has launched a new ice-racing minivan, Mini has announced a new B-spec Cooper, and now Audi has released their latest customer sports racing car.

The R8 LMS Ultra picks up where its predecessor left off - and that's quite a starting point: In just three years, the R8 LMS has won 115 races and 12 championships on racing circuits around the world. The improvements encompassed in the Ultra, however, promise to increase that number significantly.

Compared to the existing R8 LMS, the R8 LMS Ultra has lost some weight (thanks to carbon reinforced plastic doors), been made safer (thanks to new safety foam and racing bucket), gained a new transmission, had its cooling and breathing improved, its weight better balanced, its suspension and rolling stock beefed up and its aerodynamics optimized.

The same production-based 5.2-liter V10 carries over essentially unchanged, offering up to 570 horsepower depending on the regulators mandated by various racing series. The R8 LMS Ultra conforms to standard GT3 regulations, and can be yours for the low, low price of 329,900 euros ($445k USD) with deliveries beginning in March. Details in the press release after the jump, high-res photos in the gallery.

Continue reading Audi releases upgraded R8 LMS Ultra for customer racers

Audi releases upgraded R8 LMS Ultra for customer racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 lmsaudi r8 lms ultragt3quattro gmbhr8r8 lmsr8 lms ultrar8 v10Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20108779/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/18/audi-releases-upgraded-r8-lms-ultra-for-customer-racers/20108779/article-detail.xml 20108779 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/audi-r8-lms-ultra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/audi-r8-lms-ultra.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche launches updated 911 GT3 RSR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/porsche-launches-updated-911-gt3-rsr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/porsche-launches-updated-911-gt3-rsr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/porsche-launches-updated-911-gt3-rsr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

When Porsche launches a new 911, it doesn't just launch one model, it starts a process that will see literally dozens of variants to follow. Some with turbos, some without. Some with all-wheel drive, some driving just the rear. Coupes, convertibles, targas, lightweight models, and yes, even racing versions.

The 911, after all, is one of the most prolific racing cars on circuits around the world. This example, however, is not based on the new 911. What you see here is still based on the old 997. But it is the pinnacle of Porsche Motorsport's range of customer racing cars.

The new GT3 RSR is built to race in the ACO's GTE category, making it instantly eligible for competition in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Le Mans Series, the American Le Mans Series and the new FIA World Endurance Championship, as well as the International GT Open and a variety of other series and events.

Its 4.0-liter boxer six drives 460 horsepower (kept in check by a mandatory air restrictor) to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. Porsche has also fitted larger wheels front and rear, and given it a completely new aero package to keep it glued to the tarmac, slicing through the air and at front of the pack.

The best part is that you can buy one yourself. That is, assuming you've got half a million euros (about $675k) to spend on a track toy. Either way, you can check it out in the high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Porsche launches updated 911 GT3 RSR

Porsche launches updated 911 GT3 RSR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 gt3 rsrgt3gt3 rsrporscheporsche 911 gt3 rsrporsche motorsportrsrThu, 10 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20102455/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/10/porsche-launches-updated-911-gt3-rsr/20102455/article-detail.xml 20102455 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webgt3-rsr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webgt3-rsr.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche committed to offering manual transmissions as long as there's demand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/porsche-committed-to-offering-manual-transmissions-as-long-as-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/porsche-committed-to-offering-manual-transmissions-as-long-as-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/porsche-committed-to-offering-manual-transmissions-as-long-as-th/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera

Purists take note: As long as customers ask for it, Porsche will offer the 911 with a manual transmission. This sigh of relief comes from the mouth of the company's CEO Matthias Muller, speaking with Motor Trend editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie.

The news will undoubtedly come as welcome to those who feared that the smooth-shifting PDK dual-clutch transmission would obviate the availability of a traditional three-pedal stick-shift gearbox. Porsche did, after all, just develop a new seven-speed manual for the new 911, even though the PDK is both smoother and quicker than even the most seasoned heel-and-toer could ever be.

While they were at it, Muller and MacKenzie also confirmed that the new 911 GT3 will remain a manual-only affair, superseding earlier reports and allaying fears that the beloved enthusiasts' favorite would lose a pedal for the clutch in favor of a second automated one.

Porsche committed to offering manual transmissions as long as there's demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 porsche 9112013 porsche 911 gt32014 porsche 911 gt3911gt3pdkporscheporsche 911porsche 911 gt3Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20049483/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/23/porsche-committed-to-offering-manual-transmissions-as-long-as-th/20049483/article-detail.xml 20049483 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/p110600_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/p110600.jpg <![CDATA[15-year-old wins IMSA series in Porsche 911 GT3 Cup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/15-year-old-wins-imsa-series-in-porsche-911-gt3-cup/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/15-year-old-wins-imsa-series-in-porsche-911-gt3-cup/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/15-year-old-wins-imsa-series-in-porsche-911-gt3-cup/#commentsFiled under: ,

Madison and Melanie Snow

Professional racing drivers keep getting younger and younger. Every year, Formula One, for example, seems to crown a new record holder for the youngest race winner in grand prix history, and almost as often, a younger-than-ever world champion. But this story takes the cake.

Madison Snow, you see, is only 15 years old. Too young, in other words, to get a driver's license. But when he does, he'll already be an old hand behind the wheel. That's because he just clinched the Gold Cup in the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge. Behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, no less - and that's no easy car to control.

In fact he didn't just win the title, he dominated it: The series isn't even over yet, but after finishing second this week at Laguna Seca, he's so far in the lead that he's already got the championship in the bag and can "just have fun" at the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta next week. That would be enough to make any mother proud, but we have a feeling Madison's mom Melanie Snow - a past series champ herself, class winner at Sebring and part of the first all-woman team in the American Le Mans Series - must be beaming.

15-year-old wins IMSA series in Porsche 911 GT3 Cup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt3imsaimsa gt3 cup challengemadison snowporsche 911 gt3 cupsnowsnow racingThu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048926/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/22/15-year-old-wins-imsa-series-in-porsche-911-gt3-cup/20048926/article-detail.xml 20048926 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/madison-melanie-snow_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/madison-melanie-snow.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes exec confirms even harder-core SLS AMG Black Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/mercedes-exec-confirms-even-harder-core-sls-amg-black-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/mercedes-exec-confirms-even-harder-core-sls-amg-black-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/mercedes-exec-confirms-even-harder-core-sls-amg-black-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

If the standard Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is too subdued for you, AMG reportedly has a fix in the works. Mercedes execs recently confirmed to Motor Trend that a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series will soon be a reality. We like this. We like this a lot.

In significantly lamer news, the same execs also said the street-legal version of the SLS AMG GT3 will not make it to this side of the pond. Apparently, the enormous cost of certifying the car for the U.S. isn't worth it, given its extremely low volume.

As for the SLS AMG E-Cell, ze Germans still haven't decided whether that's coming here yet. The reason, again, is the cost of certifying versus sales volume. The car is slated to go on sale in late 2012 in Europe, and be a good bit heavier and more expensive than the gas burner.

Mercedes exec confirms even harder-core SLS AMG Black Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgblack seriese-cellgt3mercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amg black seriessls amgMon, 19 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20045813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/19/mercedes-exec-confirms-even-harder-core-sls-amg-black-series/20045813/article-detail.xml 20045813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mb-sls-amg-gt3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mb-sls-amg-gt3.jpg <![CDATA[Audi homologating R8 LMS for Grand Am racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/#commentsFiled under: ,

audi r8 lms

Audi has been racking up motorsports wins all over the world thanks to its R8 LMS track star. The GT3 racer has compiled over 100 victories in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. Now it's time for the four-ringed race car to earn a few checkered flags in North America, as Audi has announced that it is bringing the R8 LMS Stateside to run in the Grand-Am series.

If you're the owner of a racing team here in the U.S., now is the time to get excited. Audi will sell you a Grand-Am-ready R8 LMS, and offer support through its Audi Sport customer racing group. The R8 LMS will make its U.S. debut at the 50th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Principles of racing teams, click past the jump to read the full press release. OK fine, even if you don't own a race team, you can still read it.

Continue reading Audi homologating R8 LMS for Grand Am racing

Audi homologating R8 LMS for Grand Am racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi motorsportsaudi r8 gt3audi r8 lmsgrand-amgt3r8r8 gt3r8 lmsFri, 09 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20037057/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/20037057/article-detail.xml 20037057 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/002-audi-r8-lms-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/002-audi-r8-lms-lead.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R racer gets more power, improved driveability]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/2012-porsche-911-gt3-r-racer-gets-more-power-improved-driveabil/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/2012-porsche-911-gt3-r-racer-gets-more-power-improved-driveabil/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/2012-porsche-911-gt3-r-racer-gets-more-power-improved-driveabil/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 porsche gt3 r

One of perennial first names in racing is Porsche, and that's because the German automaker is always looking to improve its motorsports products. Progression, thy name is 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R. Drivers and teams upgrading to the latest 911 for the track will find a host of changes designed to make lap times lower and speeds higher.

Engine output has been raised 20 horses to bring the power rating to an even 500 horsepower. Paddles have been placed on the steering wheel and new transmission brain is programmed to deliver throttle blip on downshifts. Up front, a softer anti-roll bar helps reduce understeer, which Porsche says adds a further dose of driveability.

Are you the principle in charge of a racing team that runs Porsches? If you are getting the new car, you can expect it to arrive starting in November of 2011. Hopefully you've already paid the 304,500 Euros ($433,000 USD) plus your respective value added tax. If you would prefer to upgrade your 2010 or 2011 GT3 R, Porsche also plans on offering a kit to do just that. It'll run you 43,000 Euros (around $61,000 USD). No word on yet on specific U.S. pricing and availability.

Still on the fence? Check out our high-res gallery and the official press release after the jump.

Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R racer gets more power, improved driveability

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 R racer gets more power, improved driveability originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 porsche gt3 r911gt3gt3 rporscheporsche 911porsche gt3 rFri, 02 Sep 2011 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20033996/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/02/2012-porsche-911-gt3-r-racer-gets-more-power-improved-driveabil/20033996/article-detail.xml 20033996 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/000-porsche-911-gt3-r-1314993951_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/000-porsche-911-gt3-r-1314993951.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan debuts new GT3-spec Nismo GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/nissan-debuts-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/nissan-debuts-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/nissan-debuts-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Nissan GT-R is no stranger to motorsports. Topping off its long history of racing around the world, Godzilla currently competes in Japan's own Super GT series and in the FIA GT1 World Championship, among others. But while those models are loosely based on and bear a visual resemblance to the road car, they're both largely purpose-built racers. In fact they're both powered by V8 engines instead of the turbo six in the supercar you can buy at your local Datsun store.

Enter the GT3 version. Jointly developed by Nismo (Nissan's racing division) and the JR Motorsports team that fields it in the Blancpain Endurance Series, the GT-R GT3 is much closer to the road car, powered as it is by the same turbocharged V6 engine (albeit tuned to GT3 specifications). The racer made its debut at the Magny-Cours circuit in France this weekend where it finished eighth out of 35 entries after 98 laps. That's an impressive debut for a new endurance racer, and you can read more about it in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Nissan debuts new GT3-spec Nismo GT-R

Nissan debuts new GT3-spec Nismo GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-rgt3jr motorsportsjrmnismonissannissan gt-rWed, 31 Aug 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20030830/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/31/nissan-debuts-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/20030830/article-detail.xml 20030830 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/nismo-gt-r-gt3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/nismo-gt-r-gt3.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin shows off new Vantage GT3 racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/aston-martin-shows-off-new-vantage-gt3-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/aston-martin-shows-off-new-vantage-gt3-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/aston-martin-shows-off-new-vantage-gt3-racer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

Recent endurance races have seen Aston Martin fielding cars at every level of competition, and the British sportscar manufacturer isn't about to give up its strategy of proliferation.

The proof? A few months back, we brought you word that Aston was planning on replacing its DBRS9 with a new Vantage-based racer for the GT3 category to slot in between the GT2 and GT4-spec Vantages. And here it is.

Based on the V12 Vantage road car, the Vantage GT3 packs a dry-sump 6.0-liter V12 with 600 horsepower mated via carbon-fiber propshaft to an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission, equipped with competition-spec ABS and traction control for those wet laps around the Nordschleife.

Of course, the VLN Nürburgring series isn't the only championship for which the new Vantage GT3 is eligible, designed as it has been from the outset to race in the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Blancpain Endurance Series and others.

Deliveries are scheduled to commence early next year with a price tag of £298,000 - $489,000 USD by today's rates. Even if you haven't got that kind of cash on hand, you can check out Aston's latest in the press release after the jump and the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Aston Martin shows off new Vantage GT3 racer

Aston Martin shows off new Vantage GT3 racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinaston martin racingaston martin v12 vantageaston martin v12 vantage gt3aston martin vantage gt3gt3v12 vantagevantagevantage gt3Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20025504/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/24/aston-martin-shows-off-new-vantage-gt3-racer/20025504/article-detail.xml 20025504 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/vantage-gt3-web2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/vantage-gt3-web2.jpg <![CDATA[Gemballa goes racing with McLaren MP4-12C GT3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/gemballa-goes-racing-with-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/gemballa-goes-racing-with-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/gemballa-goes-racing-with-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4-12C GT3

Think of the name Gemballa and you're bound to conjure up images of hyper-tuned Porsches. That is, after all, what they're known for. But Gemballa today is different than the company we knew just a couple of years ago. After the company's namesake founder was murdered under rather suspicious circumstances, Gemballa was restructured and by necessity put under new management. And that new management appears to be ready to do things a little differently.

For starters, Gemballa has launched a new racing team. And guess what? They're not racing Porsches. They're racing McLarens. The newly formed Gemballa Racing is, in fact, one of the first teams to take delivery of the new McLaren MP4-12C GT3. Two of them, in fact.

The team is registered as an independent company from the aftermarket Porsche tuner, but shares some common ownership, as team owner Steffen Korbach is part owner as well of Gemballa itself. He's hired Sascha Bert, a former F3 and GT driver, to manage the team, which aims to go racing next year.

Will this prove an entirely separate venture that just happens to share its name with the tuning house, or will this emerge as the first step of many to take Gemballa out of Porsche's shadow and into its own right? We'll have to wait and see, but for now you can read the full press release after the jump and check out the trio of images (which look like little more than Photoshopped versions of stock McLaren photography) in the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Gemballa goes racing with McLaren MP4-12C GT3

Gemballa goes racing with McLaren MP4-12C GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gemballagemballa racinggt3mclarenmclaren mp4-12cmclaren mp4-12c gt3mclaren racingmp4-12c gt3Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024804/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/gemballa-goes-racing-with-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3/20024804/article-detail.xml 20024804 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/gemballa-mclaren_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/gemballa-mclaren.jpg <![CDATA[Audi celebrates 100th win of the R8 LMS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/audi-celebrates-100th-win-of-the-r8-lms/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/audi-celebrates-100th-win-of-the-r8-lms/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/audi-celebrates-100th-win-of-the-r8-lms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi R8 LMS

Having dominated rallying in the 1980s and Le Mans prototype racing since the turn of the millennium, Audi has grown accustomed to the checkered flag. But that's always been with manufacturer-backed works teams. So when Ingolstadt launched the R8 LMS in 2008, it charted new territory.

The GT3 racing version of the cutting-edge supercar was the first racecar built by Audi specifically for customer racing teams, and it has been a virtually unprecedented success. This past weekend, in fact, the R8 LMS scored its 100th win when Hitotsuyama Racing took the checkered flag in the GT3 Asia Series race at Suzuka.

That's a remarkable achievement for one car. All told, the 100 race wins were chalked up by 41 cars being fielded in 18 racing series around the world, in which the R8 LMS has won a remarkable one in every three races it's entered. That in itself is quite a feat, and you can read more about it in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi celebrates 100th win of the R8 LMS

Audi celebrates 100th win of the R8 LMS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 lmsgt3r8r8 lmsTue, 23 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024031/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/audi-celebrates-100th-win-of-the-r8-lms/20024031/article-detail.xml 20024031 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/270808-a-audm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/270808-a-audm.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche updates competition-spec 911 GT3 Cup before new model arrives]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/porsche-updates-competition-spec-911-gt3-cup-before-new-model-ar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/porsche-updates-competition-spec-911-gt3-cup-before-new-model-ar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/porsche-updates-competition-spec-911-gt3-cup-before-new-model-ar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

If you thought your local country club parking lot or swanky bistro driveway was filled with Porsche 911s, that's nothing compared to the proliferation of the rear-engined sports car on race tracks around the world. Porsche claims that, with over 2,200 examples sold, the 911 GT3 Cup - never mind any other racing variant - is far and away the most popular customer racing car on earth. And now it's set to get just a bit more popular.

Though the next-generation 911 is just around the corner, Porsche's racing department has updated the GT3 Cup one last time. The principal difference is a new 100-liter fuel tank that now complies with an even broader rage of racing regulations. Otherwise it's largely the same as the model we recently drove, packing the same 450-horsepower flat-six as the GT3 RS road car on which it's based, but with 18-inch alloys wearing Michelin slicks and mounted to an adjustable competition-spec suspension. Carbon-ceramic brakes are also available depending on the series.

The new GT3 Cup will be available for delivery to privateer racing teams as of next month, with a price tag starting at 161,750 Euro ($232k by today's rates). Follow the jump for the full press release and scope out the quintet of high-resolution images in the gallery for a closer look. Or better yet, just head down to the local race track, because there's bound to be a few of 'em lapping down there at any given time.

Continue reading Porsche updates competition-spec 911 GT3 Cup before new model arrives

Porsche updates competition-spec 911 GT3 Cup before new model arrives originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 porsche 911 gt3 cup911911 gt3911 gt3 cupgt3gt3 cupporscheporsche 911Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20013631/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/10/porsche-updates-competition-spec-911-gt3-cup-before-new-model-ar/20013631/article-detail.xml 20013631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web22012-porsche-911-gt3-cup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web22012-porsche-911-gt3-cup.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren MP4-12C GT3 to debut in triplicate at Spa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-to-debut-in-triplicate-at-spa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-to-debut-in-triplicate-at-spa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-to-debut-in-triplicate-at-spa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

McLaren MP4-12C GT3

The moment of truth is upon McLaren this weekend. After rolling out its MP4-12C road car to positive reviews, the racing team turned automaker is turning itself back into a racing team with the new McLaren GT division and its MP4-12C GT3 - the first GT racer from the Woking, UK outfit since the celebrated F1 GTR.

After launching the new GT3, McLaren went back to the drawing board and came out with a series of updates based on their preliminary testing, and along the way, took 20 orders from a variety of independent racing teams for next year. That's all well and good, but what really matters is whether or not the car can perform. And we're about to find out this weekend when a trio of MP4-12C GT3s debut at the 24 Hours of Spa at the famous race track in Belgium.

Truth be told, this isn't the first time the MP4-12C GT3 - try saving that three times fast - has driven at Spa, having joined the British GT Championship there earlier this month. The solitary entry placed 12th in the first race and a solid 4th in the second, but those results apparently didn't count towards anything, as it was an exposition entry.

This time, however, McLaren GT will be back with three cars and ten drivers out to prove what the new car can do. One car will feature McLaren's own factory test driver Chris Goodwin, another with Andrew Kirkaldy, head of the CRS racing team that formed the outfit together with McLaren, and a third with VonRyan Racing, one of the factory's first customers. We'll be keeping an eye out to see how they do. Follow the jump for the full press blast and scope out the high-res image gallery for a closer look at the machinery.

Continue reading McLaren MP4-12C GT3 to debut in triplicate at Spa

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 to debut in triplicate at Spa originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of spabelgiumgt3maclarenmclarenmclaren mp4-12cmclaren mp4-12c gt3mp4-12cmp4-12c gt3spaSpa-Francorchampstotal 24 hours of spaTue, 26 Jul 2011 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20000668/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/26/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-to-debut-in-triplicate-at-spa/20000668/article-detail.xml 20000668 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mclarenmp4-12cgt3006_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mclarenmp4-12cgt3006.jpg <![CDATA[GT Masters series BMW Alpina B6 racer flies over barrier, takes out porta-potty at 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/gt-masters-series-bmw-alpina-b6-racer-flies-over-fence-takes-ou/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/gt-masters-series-bmw-alpina-b6-racer-flies-over-fence-takes-ou/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/gt-masters-series-bmw-alpina-b6-racer-flies-over-fence-takes-ou/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

ADAC GT Masters at the Nurburgring
ADAC GT Masters crash at the Nürburgring - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Tire barriers at race tracks are there for a reason. Namely, safety, but they can't protect against every scenario. Like, say, going airborne over said tire barrier and hitting a hapless porta-potty. That's exactly what happened at the Nürburgring this weekend during the fourth round of this year's ADAC GT Masters championship.

Towards the start of the race, one Alex Plenagl (22, of Ebergberg, Bavaria) crashed his Alpina B6 GT over the barrier, sending it careening straight into a BMW sign and a trackside porta-potty. Fortunately, no one was in the johnny-on-the-spot at the time of the impact, and Plenagl himself reportedly escaped serious injury.

Sir Jackie Stewart once dubbed the Nürburgring as "The Green Hell" due to the frequency and severity of the accidents that occurred around the infamously difficult road course, and the name has stuck ever since. We dare not ask what sort of nicknames the track might get from this incident, but you can watch the video after the jump and see for yourself.

Continue reading GT Masters series BMW Alpina B6 racer flies over barrier, takes out porta-potty at 'Ring

GT Masters series BMW Alpina B6 racer flies over barrier, takes out porta-potty at 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6 seriesadacadac gt mastersalpinaalpina b6alpina b6 gt3bmwcollisiongt3gtmastersnürburgringnurburgringvideoSun, 10 Jul 2011 16:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19987565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/10/gt-masters-series-bmw-alpina-b6-racer-flies-over-fence-takes-ou/19987565/article-detail.xml 19987565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/adac-masters-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/adac-masters-ring.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Nürburgring racer livery designed by intern]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/porsche-911-gt3-cup-nurburgring-racer-livery-designed-by-intern/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/porsche-911-gt3-cup-nurburgring-racer-livery-designed-by-intern/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/porsche-911-gt3-cup-nurburgring-racer-livery-designed-by-intern/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Porsche NA's intern-designed livery for the Porsche Carrera World Cup - Click above to view larger image

As an appetizer for the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Porsche put on the first Porsche Carrera World Cup. Although the race counted as a round in other international Carrera World Cup series', this is a race all its own: more than a hundred Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Racers sprinting six laps around the 15-mile North Loop.

The race entry, submitted by Porsche Cars North America wore a livery designed by one of its own interns: Anna Frey created the star-bedecked red, white and blue scheme driven by ALMS GTC racer Melanie Snow.

Although the Cup Racer saw a lot of rain-and-hail-filled action getting ready for the race, Snow's race didn't last long: a driver booted her off the track at Turn One, where she was then hit by another car, ending her race. Nevertheless, congratulations to Anna Frey on the livery and the entire PNCA team for the effort.

Continue reading Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Nürburgring racer livery designed by intern

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Nürburgring racer livery designed by intern originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911 gt3 cup raceranna freycarrera world cupcup racergt3NurburgringNurburgring nordschleifepcnaporschePorsche Cars North AmericaSun, 26 Jun 2011 17:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976805/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/26/porsche-911-gt3-cup-nurburgring-racer-livery-designed-by-intern/19976805/article-detail.xml 19976805 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/porschenurburgringlivery_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/porschenurburgringlivery.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren MP4-12C GT3 takes to the track for testing, tuning, titillation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/04/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-takes-to-the-track-for-testing-tuning-titi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/04/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-takes-to-the-track-for-testing-tuning-titi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/04/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-takes-to-the-track-for-testing-tuning-titi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

mclaren mp4-12c gt3
McLaren MP4-12C GT3 hits the racetrack - Click above to watch video after the jump

McLaren is clearly excited to test the racing version of its MP4-12C supercar. Called the MP4-12C GT3, this track-focused racer is equipped to do battle in the 2011 and 2012 GT3 championship series, and McLaren has just released a slew of videos that show off the car from all angles. This thing is perfectly equipped to make beautiful noises and hug the road like a tween meeting Justin Bieber.

One example of the GT3 will make its debut this year, however, McLaren reports that 20 cars are being prepared for the 2012 season. McLaren is also planning to bring the MP4-12C GT3 to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. In the meantime, you can click past the jump for a handful of videos showing the car in action.

Continue reading McLaren MP4-12C GT3 takes to the track for testing, tuning, titillation

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 takes to the track for testing, tuning, titillation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedgt3mclarenmclaren mp4-12cmclaren mp4-12c gt3mp4-12cmp4-12c gt3videoWed, 04 May 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19931555/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/04/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-takes-to-the-track-for-testing-tuning-titi/19931555/article-detail.xml 19931555 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/mp4-12c-gt-on-track_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/mp4-12c-gt-on-track.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Limited Edition leaked online?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/porsche-911-gt3-rs-4-0-limited-edition-leaked-online/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/porsche-911-gt3-rs-4-0-limited-edition-leaked-online/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/porsche-911-gt3-rs-4-0-limited-edition-leaked-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and GT3 RS
Bridging the gap between Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and GT3 RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors of a more powerful, special edition Porsche 911 GT3 RS have been circulating for months, and now the spec sheet has purportedly been leaked online. The order form is ostensibly for what's being dubbed the GT3 RS 4.0, packing a bored-out flat-six with 500 horsepower - a 200cc increase in displacement and 50 horses more than the existing GT3 RS, which itself already packs 15 more ponies than the standard GT3.

The price sheet also lists a €150,000 sticker before tax (equivalent to $217k), or €190,000 with a 20-percent value-added tax attached, and details options like a nav system, ceramic brakes and a nose-lift apparatus. The sheet was posted on the Teamspeed forum, but while the intrepid poster claims its authenticity, a debate is raging over its potential falsification, pointing out, for example, certain discrepancies (such as the 2011 model year instead of 2012, output listed in BHP instead of Porsche's usual PS, and "breaks" instead of "brakes") that have raised doubts.

Whether the spec sheet is authentic or not, we should be finding out soon enough, so stay tuned and watch this space for more.


Gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup


[Source: Teamspeed.com]

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Limited Edition leaked online? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 gt3911 gt3 rsgt3gt3 rsgt3 rs 4.0porscheporsche 911 gt3 rs 4.0Porsche 911 GT3 RS Limited EditionteamspeedThu, 14 Apr 2011 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19912729/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/14/porsche-911-gt3-rs-4-0-limited-edition-leaked-online/19912729/article-detail.xml 19912729 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/gt3-cup-rs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/gt3-cup-rs.jpg -1 2