Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Bentley Continental, Mulsanne get Le Mans limited editions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bentley Continental Le Mans Special Edition

Bentley is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with two special edition model. Both the Mulsanne and Continental lines can now be fitted with six new specification packages to mark the event, each named after a famous racer from the automaker's past. Each package one combines select exterior colors with with special interior combinations that pay homage to the gents who took the company's cars to victory in France.

John Duff, Dudley Benjafield, Woolf Barnato, Tim Birkin, Glen Kidston and Guy Smith all get their own namesake packages. You can see the full run down in the press release below. So far, there's no indication as to exactly how much each pack will cost, but we have a hard time imagining a dollar figure scaring off any potential buyers.

Continue reading Bentley Continental, Mulsanne get Le Mans limited editions

Bentley Continental, Mulsanne get Le Mans limited editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansbentleybentley continental gtbentley le mans special editionsbentley mulsannele mansThu, 09 May 2013 14:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563637/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/20563637/article-detail.xml 20563637 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bentley-continental-le-mans-special-edition-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bentley-continental-le-mans-special-edition-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lapping Le Mans with 1956's version of a dash cam]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

1956 Le Mans footage

Mike Hawthorne and Ivor Bueb won The 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955 driving a Jaguar D-Type. The following year, a few days before the race, a British broadcaster put cameras on Hawthorne's car, hung a mic from a plate on his race suit and had him narrate a lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe.

It is compelling viewing. A new pit complex was built after the massive accident on the front straight in 1955, but this was still a time when crews prepped for the race on roads that were open to the public. Hawthorne's lap includes maneuvers to avoid bicyclists and cars, and gems like letting us know that doing 185 miles per hour down the Mulsanne Straight was where you could "relax a little, recover your energy." Watch him work it like the men of old in the video below.

Continue reading Lapping Le Mans with 1956's version of a dash cam

Lapping Le Mans with 1956's version of a dash cam originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d-typedash camjaguarjaguar d-typele mansmike hawthornevideovimeoWed, 01 May 2013 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552160/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/20552160/article-detail.xml 20552160 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jaguar-hawthorne-le-mans-lap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jaguar-hawthorne-le-mans-lap.jpg <![CDATA[Preparing for Le Mans 2014 Porsche remembers 1971 and the 917 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/preparing-for-le-mans-2014-porsche-remembers-1971-and-the-917-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/preparing-for-le-mans-2014-porsche-remembers-1971-and-the-917-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/preparing-for-le-mans-2014-porsche-remembers-1971-and-the-917-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Porsche has given us another look back at its successes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This time it's 1971, the year that its 917 set records that haven't all been eclipsed. It's 45-kilogram magnesium tube frame was the lightest, Jackie Oliver set the fastest in-race lap with a time that still stands, and winning drivers Helmut Marko - the same Helmut Marko currently with Infiniti Red Bull Racing - and Gilles Lethem did so many laps that their distance wasn't exceeded until the Audi R15 TDI did it in 2010.

1971 was also the year of the "Pink Pig." With bodywork created by a French aerodynamics firm, the wider, rounder 917 earned the porcine moniker so Porsche painted it pink and labeled it with the cuts you'd get from a pig. Sponsor Martini was so miffed they demanded all Martini branding be removed. No one can remove the thousands of photographs taken of the car ever since. Enjoy that and more in the video below.

Continue reading Preparing for Le Mans 2014 Porsche remembers 1971 and the 917 [w/video]

Preparing for Le Mans 2014 Porsche remembers 1971 and the 917 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>le manspink pigporscheporsche 917Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/07/preparing-for-le-mans-2014-porsche-remembers-1971-and-the-917-w/20532425/article-detail.xml 20532425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/porsche-917-le-mans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/porsche-917-le-mans.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Porsche 911 RSR makes official debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/2013-porsche-911-rsr-makes-official-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/2013-porsche-911-rsr-makes-official-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/2013-porsche-911-rsr-makes-official-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Porsche 911 RSR race car - studio view

Porsche is ready to go racing in 2013, showing off a new 911 RSR today that is scheduled to compete in several endurance events this year. Based on the current 991 911, the new RSR will compete in the 2013 season of the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It will not, however, make an appearance in a North American racing series this year.

The 2013 version of the racecar has increased in wheelbase by some four inches, features a new wishbone front suspension in place of the last-generation's McPherson strut setup and boasts a new, lightweight six-speed racing gearbox. The engine, meanwhile, is an "optimized" version of last year's car, a 460-horsepower 4.0-liter boxer six-cylinder. Extensive use of carbon fiber and polycarbonate windows help the RSR shed weight, and Porsche has also balanced the weight more evenly with a lower center of gravity.

Porsche has thoughtfully dedicated some space to celebrate the 911's 50th Anniversary, with the number 50 clearly visible in the top-down view of the RSR, as well as along the doors. Scroll down to read the full Porsche press release, below.

Continue reading 2013 Porsche 911 RSR makes official debut

2013 Porsche 911 RSR makes official debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche 9112013 porsche 911 rsr24 hours of le mansle mansporscheporsche 911porsche 911 rsrworld endurance championshipMon, 01 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/2013-porsche-911-rsr-makes-official-debut/20524839/article-detail.xml 20524839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-porsche-911-rsr-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-porsche-911-rsr-628.jpg <![CDATA[Alpine unveils N36 LMP2 car that will race in 24 Hours of Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Alpine N36 LMP2 racecar - profile studio shot

This is the Alpine LMP2 competitor you'll see contesting European endurance races this year, including The 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Parent company Renault showed off the N36 racer at its atelier in Paris, the blue and orange a switch from the yellow, black and white livery Alpine wore last time it was seen in Le Mans way back in 1978 when it won the race.

The team will be run by Signatech-Nissan and the chassis will be powered by a Nissan engine. Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues will contest World Endurance Championship rounds throughout the year, they'll be joined by endurance and IndyCar veteran Tristan Gommendy for Le Mans and Paul-Loup Chatin as the team's reserve driver.

The Alpine N36 will get into its first test this week at Paul Ricard, then experience its first racing miles at the European Le Mans Series round at Silverstone on April 13. The press release below has the full scoop, the photos above have the past and present in high-res glory.

Continue reading Alpine unveils N36 LMP2 car that will race in 24 Hours of Le Mans

Alpine unveils N36 LMP2 car that will race in 24 Hours of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansalpineeuropean le mans seriesle manslmp2motorsportsnissanrenaultworld endurance championshipMon, 25 Mar 2013 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20515083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/20515083/article-detail.xml 20515083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alpinen36le-manslmp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alpinen36le-manslmp1.jpg <![CDATA[Renault taking Alpine endurance racing, enters 24 Hours of Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/10/renault-taking-alpine-endurance-racing-enters-24-hours-of-le-ma/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/10/renault-taking-alpine-endurance-racing-enters-24-hours-of-le-ma/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/10/renault-taking-alpine-endurance-racing-enters-24-hours-of-le-ma/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Renault isn't letting up with the return of its Alpine brand. After announcing a partnership with Caterham to bring a new Alpine to market by 2015 (now expected by 2016), the French firm has announced it is taking Alpine racing again in the European Le Mans Series this year - and that includes The 24 Hours of Le Mans.

It has been 35 years since Alpine last competed in Le Mans, when it won the race outright and dropped the mic as it left the pits, never to return. Before that, in the 11 years it campaigned in the most famous endurance race on the planet from 1963 to 1978, it took seven class wins.

Caterham won't be involved with the race team, however; that will be an effort spearheaded by the Signatech-Nissan team that has been running GT Academy winners in LMS racing. Alpine is preparing an LMP2 chassis that will get a 500-horsepower Nissan engine for this year's championship, with the first two named drivers being Nelson Panciatici (above right) and Pierre Ragues (above left). The third driver for Le Mans will be announced later this month when the racer is launched at the Le Castellet race track in southern France.

The press release below has more details, and prepare yourself now for a chant that hasn't been heard since Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was president of the republic: "Allez Alpine!"

Continue reading Renault taking Alpine endurance racing, enters 24 Hours of Le Mans

Renault taking Alpine endurance racing, enters 24 Hours of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansalpineendurance racingeuropean le mans seriesle manslmp2lmsmotorsportsNelson PanciaticinissanPierre RaguesrenaultsignatechSun, 10 Mar 2013 15:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496122/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/10/renault-taking-alpine-endurance-racing-enters-24-hours-of-le-ma/20496122/article-detail.xml 20496122 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alpinele-mans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alpinele-mans.jpg <![CDATA[NISMO confirms hotter GT-R, return to Le Mans and more performance models [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/nismo-confirms-hotter-gt-r-return-to-le-mans-and-more-performan/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/nismo-confirms-hotter-gt-r-return-to-le-mans-and-more-performan/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/nismo-confirms-hotter-gt-r-return-to-le-mans-and-more-performan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Nissan has made three announcements, all of which intend to sharpen the global significance and sales of its NISMO performance arm. Calling it "a new era for NISMO as its global performance car and motorsports brand," Carlos Ghosn cut the ribbon on the new, larger, nicer NISMO headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. For the first time since the division was founded in 1984, all of its employees are located in one place that was dubbed "a hothouse of passion and performance." Sign us up.

There, the team will start overhauling Nissan's entire range with NISMO models. The Juke NISMO is right around the corner for the US market, the second generation of the 370Z NISMO is coming for 2014, the first GT-R NISMO is being developed, and after that will come "a range of affordable performance Nissan models from small cars to flagship sports cars" - a new model every year. The expanded product line will mean that markets that haven't had access to NISMO's works will finally be able to buy them.

The last big news is that from now on NISMO will manage every one of Nissan's global motorsports programs, and its largest initiative will be prepping an entry for Le Mans in 2014. While Nissan has left the DeltaWing project, it hasn't walked away from experimental racers: the brand aims to have "a pioneering Nissan race car showcasing electric technology" ready in 15 months that shows "a new approach to innovation and excitement."

You can find out more about all the news in the three press releases and two videos below.

Continue reading NISMO confirms hotter GT-R, return to Le Mans and more performance models [w/videos]

NISMO confirms hotter GT-R, return to Le Mans and more performance models [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 le mans370z370z nismogt-rgt-r nismojukejuke nismole mansnismonissanvideovideosyoutubeTue, 26 Feb 2013 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20478678/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/nismo-confirms-hotter-gt-r-return-to-le-mans-and-more-performan/20478678/article-detail.xml 20478678 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nissannismole-mans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nissannismole-mans.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota updates Le Mans-ready TS030 hybrid for 2013 season [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/toyota-updates-le-mans-ready-ts030-hybrid-for-2013-season-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/toyota-updates-le-mans-ready-ts030-hybrid-for-2013-season-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/toyota-updates-le-mans-ready-ts030-hybrid-for-2013-season-w-vid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota TS030

Toyota has polished up its TS030 hybrid Le Mans race car for the 2013 season. Once again, the machine uses a 530-horsepower 3.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 paired with a capacitor-based hybrid system with an additional 300 horsepower on hand. This year, engineers have tweaked the drivetrain to deliver more power and efficiency while bolstering reliability. The chassis has received a few updates of its own, though Toyota is keeping those changes under wraps for the time being. Fans can expect to see a new aerodynamic package at work on the prototype, and the chassis will conform to new regulations that increase the minimum weight of LMP1 cars by 33 pounds.

Last year, the TS030 won three events over six races, but ran into a number of issues during the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans. The No. 8 Toyota suffered a spectacle of a crash that saw driver Anthony Davidson hospitalized with two fractured vertebra. And while the No. 7 car briefly held the lead over rival Audi, trouble in the pits and engine failure eventually saw that car sidelined as well.

This year, the No. 7 TS030 will be piloted by Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima while the No. 8 machine will fall to the hands of Anthonay Davidson, Stephane Sarrazin and Sebastien Buemi. You can view the full press release below as well as a quick video on the 2014 TS030.

Continue reading Toyota updates Le Mans-ready TS030 hybrid for 2013 season [w/video]

Toyota updates Le Mans-ready TS030 hybrid for 2013 season [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ts03024 hours of le mansle manstoyota ts030ts030videoFri, 22 Feb 2013 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20469527/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/toyota-updates-le-mans-ready-ts030-hybrid-for-2013-season-w-vid/20469527/article-detail.xml 20469527 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/01-toyota-ts030-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/01-toyota-ts030-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R20, Le Mans-based diesel supercar, said to come in 2016]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/23/audi-r20-le-mans-based-diesel-supercar-said-to-come-in-2016/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/23/audi-r20-le-mans-based-diesel-supercar-said-to-come-in-2016/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/23/audi-r20-le-mans-based-diesel-supercar-said-to-come-in-2016/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,




It was about a month ago that we first heard rumblings of a new Audi supercar that would borrow generously from the firm's Le Mans racers. At the time, Audi R&D chief Wolfgang Dürheimer was telling Auto Express that it could be a big seller if it were a diesel hybrid, and that not only would it sell well but it would be a match for coming vehicular royalty like the McLaren P1, Ferrari F70 and Porsche 918. Auto Express speculated carbon fiber construction and numbers like 700 horsepower, 737 pound-feet of torque and a top speed beyond 200 miles per hour.

About a week ago that was updated by a report that the supercar would be unlike the R8 and, naturally, be state-of-the-art in the technology department. Now Automobile has chimed in with a deep-dive report on the supercar that has the project name of R20. To demonstrate its connection to Audi's Le Mans cars and distance itself from the R8, the report claims it will look like "a street-legal LeMans racer," meaning vertical LED headlights, "ventilated front and rear wings," the one out back being adjustable, and a tailfin running from the cockpit to the rear end.

Power would come from a diesel-hybrid setup built around Audi's twin-turbo V6, with 550 hp from the engine and a further two 75-hp electric motors turning the front wheels. The interior would also go state-of-the-art, with a black-panel instrument cluster, active contour seats, cameras taking the place of mirrors and an old-fashioned four-point harness for that racerly feel.

Automobile believes the R20 could be shown at Pebble Beach in 2015 and go on sale in 2016, but be limited to 150 or 200 units.

Audi R20, Le Mans-based diesel supercar, said to come in 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi diesel hybridaudi hypercaraudi r20audi supercardiesel hybridle mansr20Sun, 23 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410087/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/23/audi-r20-le-mans-based-diesel-supercar-said-to-come-in-2016/20410087/article-detail.xml 20410087 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audir20theories_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audir20theories.jpg <![CDATA[Audi boss talks about possible diesel-electric LeMans-inspired supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/audi-boss-talks-about-possible-diesel-electric-lemans-inspired-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/audi-boss-talks-about-possible-diesel-electric-lemans-inspired-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/audi-boss-talks-about-possible-diesel-electric-lemans-inspired-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Audi V12 TDI - overhead view of engine compartment

Word has it Audi is hard at work on a new diesel-electric supercar. Auto Express reports Wolfgang Durheimer, head of technical development for the company, is planning a road vehicle that will make the most of the lessons learned from the automaker's 24 Hours of Le Mans efforts. Durheimer says the supercar will be very different from the current R8 and will offer buyers state-of-the-art technology. Specifically, the as-yet-unnamed model will be able to best the current McLaren P1 around a race track. Details are, of course, scarce, though the company's recent past could point to what we can expect to see from such a machine.

The Audi R8 TDI LeMans Concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show promised the world an R8 with a V12 TDI diesel behind the front seats. With 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, the machine would undoubtedly have been a blast to drive, but Audi shuttered any thought of a production model a year later. Odds are a modern interpretation of that machine would feature a smaller displacement diesel engine paired with a hybrid system for additional thrust.

Audi boss talks about possible diesel-electric LeMans-inspired supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansaudiaudi diesel hybrid supercaraudi supercardieseldiesel hybridhybridle mansr8supercarFri, 14 Dec 2012 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/audi-boss-talks-about-possible-diesel-electric-lemans-inspired-s/20402283/article-detail.xml 20402283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audi-v12-tdi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audi-v12-tdi-628.jpg <![CDATA[Update on Porsche's upcoming LMP1 Le Mans entry: Weissach team hard at work [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/update-on-porsches-upcoming-lmp1-le-mans-entry-weissach-team-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/update-on-porsches-upcoming-lmp1-le-mans-entry-weissach-team-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/update-on-porsches-upcoming-lmp1-le-mans-entry-weissach-team-h/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Porsche still hasn't showed the LMP1 contender it is building for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014 - in fact, there won't be any public eyeballs on it until the middle of 2013. But the Stuttgart manufacturer sure wants to make sure everyone knows it is coming, giving us another update - after the initial announcement and a retrospective video - on the car's progress even if there is no actual car yet.

The Weissach Motorsport Center where the racer is being born has been expanded just for the purpose with a new office complex and workshop building. The entire program has been restructured and the initial program head has relinquished his duties to focus on all of Porsche's other motorsports activities, while the chief of BMW's former F1 program, Fritz Enziger, has been brought in.

When it does hit the track, there will be drivers with Porsche's works team behind the wheel and providing support. It will start racing in the 2014 World Endurance Championship, which will give it plenty of hardcore development laps before that showdown in the Arcadian Gallic countryside. Clearly, Porsche is serious. There's a press release with further details below, and an encore showing of Porsche's Le Mans history, brought to you by Steve McQueen.

Continue reading Update on Porsche's upcoming LMP1 Le Mans entry: Weissach team hard at work [w/video]

Update on Porsche's upcoming LMP1 Le Mans entry: Weissach team hard at work [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 heures du mans24 hours of le mansle manslmp1porscheporsche lmp1videovideosweissachweissach motorsport centerworld endurance championshipyoutubeWed, 12 Dec 2012 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398244/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/update-on-porsches-upcoming-lmp1-le-mans-entry-weissach-team-h/20398244/article-detail.xml 20398244 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/porschelmp1update_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/porschelmp1update.jpg <![CDATA[Racing legend, safety pioneer John Fitch dies at 95]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/racing-legend-safety-pioneer-john-fitch-dies-at-95/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/racing-legend-safety-pioneer-john-fitch-dies-at-95/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/racing-legend-safety-pioneer-john-fitch-dies-at-95/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We bring sad news that John Fitch has passed away at the incredible age of 95, succumbing to a rare form of skin cancer at 1:20 AM this morning. He was in the company of his family at his home in Lime Rock, Connecticut.

John Cooper Fitch was a true racing legend, a fighter pilot and a pillar of the automotive community. When combined, these accolades represent the accomplishments of a man who has lived more in one life than most others care to dream. Whether you know the name John Fitch or not, he has undoubtedly affected your life through safety innovations such as the Fitch Barrier, which are those yellow barrels filled with sand or water that are found everywhere on highways. Those familiar with auto racing know that his legacy stretches far beyond that.

Fitch was born in Indiana in 1917 and witnessed auto racing from his youth, as his step-father was an executive at the Stutz car company. During World War II, Fitch was a US fighter pilot at the helm of a P-51 Mustang. He was one of the first Americans to shoot down a German jet plane, and was later shot down himself, becoming a POW.

After WWII, Fitch raced for Mercedes-Benz, becoming the first American to successfully compete in Europe after the War. His storied race career included campaigns with Briggs-Cunningham and Aston Martin, among other teams. He competed in the Mille Miglia, Tourist Trophy, and other races that are now the stuff of motorsport lore. He was the first manager for the Corvette race team, as well as the first general manager of his beloved Lime Rock Park, where he routinely attended vintage races into his older years.

Two cars with his name affixed to them are the Fitch Phoenix and the Fitch-Whitmore Special. The former was an attractive sportscar based on the Corvair, while the latter was a custom Le Mans racer based on the Jaguar XK-120. It is arguably one of the most stunning race cars from its era.

Throughout his life, Fitch remained a strong voice for vehicle safety and was a shining example of our Greatest Generation. He will be missed by his family, as well as the automotive community at large.

Racing legend, safety pioneer John Fitch dies at 95 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fitchfitch barrierfitch-whitmore speicialjohn cooper fitchjohn fitchle manslime rocklime rock packWed, 31 Oct 2012 13:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366679/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/racing-legend-safety-pioneer-john-fitch-dies-at-95/20366679/article-detail.xml 20366679 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/john-fitch-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/john-fitch-628.jpg <![CDATA[Battle over ownership of final Cunningham Corvette headed to court]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/battle-over-ownership-of-final-cunningham-corvette-headed-to-cou/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/battle-over-ownership-of-final-cunningham-corvette-headed-to-cou/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/battle-over-ownership-of-final-cunningham-corvette-headed-to-cou/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Cunningham Corvette

Remember that recently-discovered Briggs Cunningham Corvette? The last of three to be found that raced at the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans? Well, as is customary in matters such as these, a tense legal battle has broiled, with many players to follow, so lets just get into it...

Here's how the story goes: After more than 50 years in hiding, the rare Le Mans racer surfaced in the garage of Pamela Carr, widow of Florida Judge Richard Carr. Richard's son, Rick, had known of the car for years, but only recently checked the VIN, which led him to reach out to Cunningham historian Larry Berman. Through Berman, the Carr family was put in touch with Lance Miller. Lance is the son of the late Chip Miller, founder of Carlisle Events, and Corvette's at Carlisle.

Chip Miller, along with Corvette restorer Kevin Mackay, had gone to great lengths to find the Cunningham Corvetteshaving hired a private investigator in the 1990s to locate the cars. Mackay found and restored Corvette No. 3, which was given to Miller. Their efforts were chronicled in the 2000 documentary The Quest. It was Miller's dying wish that if the last Cunningham 'Vette were ever found (No. 2 is owned by noted collector Bruce Meyer), it would end up in Mackay's hands. If found, the car could be worth over $1 million.

On July 23 of this year, Chip's son Lance purchased the No. 1 car from the Carr family for just $75,000 and three days later, sold it to Mackay. Though it a appeared that the journey had come to an end, trouble had just begun for Mackay.

For the rest of the story, scroll down.

Continue reading Battle over ownership of final Cunningham Corvette headed to court

Battle over ownership of final Cunningham Corvette headed to court originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>briggs cunninghambriggs cunningham chevrolet corvettecorvettecunnhinghamcunningham corvettekevin mackaylance millerle mansMon, 24 Sep 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20330161/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/24/battle-over-ownership-of-final-cunningham-corvette-headed-to-cou/20330161/article-detail.xml 20330161 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/briggs-cunningham-1960-le-mans-corvette_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/briggs-cunningham-1960-le-mans-corvette.jpg <![CDATA[Glickenhaus considering LMP1 for P4/5 Competizione]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/glickenhaus-considering-lmp1-for-p4-5-competizione/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/glickenhaus-considering-lmp1-for-p4-5-competizione/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/glickenhaus-considering-lmp1-for-p4-5-competizione/#commentsFiled under: , ,



According to new reports, James Glickenhaus has more big plans for his P4/5 Competizione, eying an entry in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014 with an LMP contender. That year there will be a slate of new regulations that refocus cars around around the amount of energy they use per lap (instead of displacement and air restrictions) and that open up the possibilities for design and privateer competitors.

Providing sketches of a highly stylized version of what an LMP version of the P4/5C M (M is for Modificata, indicating the kinetic energy recovery system fitted this year) could look like, Glickenhaus would only say that "we do not exclude the possibility of building a P4/5 LMP" car for 2014. The project would need partners and backing, so Glickenhaus has cautioned that nothing is assured. In the meantime, while his team contemplates that challenge, he wants the P4/5C M to finish first in its class in the year's FIA ​​World Championship Alternate Energy Cup series, and he wants to head back to the Nürburgring to beat the 6:51 lap time set earlier this summer, which is still a record for a car under Ferrari power.

Glickenhaus considering LMP1 for P4/5 Competizione originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansferrariglickenhausjames glickenhausle mansp45p45 competitzioneTue, 18 Sep 2012 14:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20325510/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/18/glickenhaus-considering-lmp1-for-p4-5-competizione/20325510/article-detail.xml 20325510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/glickenhauslmp1study_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/glickenhauslmp1study.jpg <![CDATA[Le Mans-winning Aston Martin DBR1/2 offered for sale at princely sum]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/le-mans-winning-aston-martin-dbr1-2-offered-for-sale-at-princely/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/le-mans-winning-aston-martin-dbr1-2-offered-for-sale-at-princely/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/le-mans-winning-aston-martin-dbr1-2-offered-for-sale-at-princely/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



If you're well-off your interest might have been piqued a few weeks ago by Evanta's 1:1 scale model of the Le Mans-winning Aston Martin DBR1/2. The AirFix-like art work, 20.8 feet long, 11.3 feet high and weighing over half a ton, will be auctioned during the Goodwood Revival Weekend with pre-sale estimates as high as £30,000 ($46,929 U.S.).

If you're wealthy - like Goldman Sachs has you on speed dial, wealthy - you might be interested in the real thing and not the model. Talacrest, a British concern that focuses on classic Ferraris, is selling the genuine DBR1/2 on the open market and asking £20 million ($32M U.S.).

Valued by Talacrest as one of the top five cars in the world, receipt of the asking price would definitely put the DBR1/2 among the top five public sales in the world and make it the most valuable Aston Martin ever sold. And since this isn't an auction, you don't need to wait for the privilege; you can give Talacrest a call from the 24-karat gold throne in the office at the back of your bullion vault, at your leisure.

Le Mans-winning Aston Martin DBR1/2 offered for sale at princely sum originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin dbr1auctioncarroll shelbydbr 12dbr1dbr12le mansroy salvadoriscale modeltalacrestThu, 13 Sep 2012 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20320023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/13/le-mans-winning-aston-martin-dbr1-2-offered-for-sale-at-princely/20320023/article-detail.xml 20320023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/astondbrsale_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/astondbrsale.jpg <![CDATA[Watch John McGuinness lap Le Mans in the dark on his CBR1000RR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/watch-john-mcguinness-lap-le-mans-in-the-dark-on-his-cbr1000rr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/watch-john-mcguinness-lap-le-mans-in-the-dark-on-his-cbr1000rr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/watch-john-mcguinness-lap-le-mans-in-the-dark-on-his-cbr1000rr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The famed 24 hours of Le Mans is not the only endurance race that lasts a full day at the iconic French track. The final round of the Endurance FIM World Championship motorcycle race series took place at Le Mans last weekend with its very own 24-hour race.

The bikers do not race the full Circuit de la Sarthe, but rather battle it out on the Bugatti Circuit, which only incorporates the Dunlop Curve and Dunlop Chicane before turning toward the infield for the next eight turns and rejoining the main track just before the pits.

This explanation is a necessary prompt to the video above. John McGuinness took to the track in a Honda TT Legends CBR1000RR race bike. He has been known for some wild on-board videos, but tearing through Le Mans - any part of Le Mans - at night is worth watching.

McGuinness and the Honda TT Legends team finished fifth at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year and fourth overall for the season. Scroll below for the video of McGuinness on this historic track.

Continue reading Watch John McGuinness lap Le Mans in the dark on his CBR1000RR

Watch John McGuinness lap Le Mans in the dark on his CBR1000RR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugatti circuitcbr1000rrhondale mansWed, 12 Sep 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20320665/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/12/watch-john-mcguinness-lap-le-mans-in-the-dark-on-his-cbr1000rr/20320665/article-detail.xml 20320665 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/le-mans-at-night-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/le-mans-at-night-628.jpg <![CDATA[Next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans pushed back a week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/next-years-24-hours-of-le-mans-pushed-back-a-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/next-years-24-hours-of-le-mans-pushed-back-a-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/next-years-24-hours-of-le-mans-pushed-back-a-week/#commentsFiled under: ,



Race fans that look forward to the motorsports mecca that is the 24 Hours of Le Mans will have to wait one additional week.

According to an Autosport report, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest had announced the dates for the 2013 race as June 15-16, but following a request by the FIA, the dates had been changed. The race will now take place the 22nd and 23rd of June. The test date for the race will now be on June 9th.

In a statement from the ACO, the change was made, "in order to harmonize the world calendar of motor racing events."

The schedule change will not alter the fact that the 24 Hours of Le Mans remains as the centerpiece of the FIA World Endurance Championship season. The current season includes 12 Hours of Sebring, and six hour races at Spa, Silverstone, Sao Paulo, Bahrain, Fuji, and Shangai.

Next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans pushed back a week originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansacoendurance racingfiale manslemansworld endurance championshipThu, 30 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20312980/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/30/next-years-24-hours-of-le-mans-pushed-back-a-week/20312980/article-detail.xml 20312980 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/00-2012-24-hours-of-le-mans-opt_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/00-2012-24-hours-of-le-mans-opt.jpeg <![CDATA[1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage sets auction record at $11 million]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/1968-ford-gt40-gulf-mirage-sets-auction-record-at-11-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/1968-ford-gt40-gulf-mirage-sets-auction-record-at-11-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/1968-ford-gt40-gulf-mirage-sets-auction-record-at-11-million/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage

There are no certainties on the auction circuit, though any association with the late Steve McQueen can almost guarantee an upward nudge on the final bid. Throw in a provenance that includes multiple racing wins, work in one of the most beloved films in automotive history along with an iconic livery and you've got the 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage Lightweight Racing car seen here. The car took the checkered flag at Spa in 1967 when it was still Mirage M.10003, becoming the first car to wear the powder blue and marigold to victory in the process. In 1968, this machine underwent a slew of changes at the hands of J.W.A. in England, making it GT40 chassis number P/1074.

After a few more wins on the racing circuit, the car was sold to David Brown of Tampa, Florida in 1970. Brown leased the GT40 to Steve McQueen's Solar Productions for work as a camera car in McQueen's now-legendary film, Le Mans. In order to go to work, the car's roof section was entirely removed, which adversely impacted both rigidity and aerodynamics. After five months of filming, the car was sold. Since then, it's gone through a handful of other owners and a complete restoration to racing glory.

At Friday's RM Auctions, the '68 GT40 brought home a lofty $11 million final bid, setting an all-time record for an American car at auction in the process. The previous title holder was a 1931 Dueseneberg Model J Long-Wheelbase Coupe, which sold for $10.34 million. Take a look below for the full release and a video of the car in action.

Continue reading 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage sets auction record at $11 million

1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage sets auction record at $11 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction recordgt40gt40 auctiongt40 auction recordle mansle mans moviemontereymonterey 2012record-setting gt40rm auctionssteve mcqueenSat, 18 Aug 2012 09:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20303888/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/18/1968-ford-gt40-gulf-mirage-sets-auction-record-at-11-million/20303888/article-detail.xml 20303888 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/1968-ford-gt40-gulf-mirage-rm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/1968-ford-gt40-gulf-mirage-rm.jpg <![CDATA[Final missing Briggs Cunningham Le Mans Corvette discovered]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/final-missing-briggs-cunningham-le-mans-corvette-discovered/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/final-missing-briggs-cunningham-le-mans-corvette-discovered/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/final-missing-briggs-cunningham-le-mans-corvette-discovered/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Briggs Cunningham 1960 Le Mans Corvette

You would think that by 2012 - some four decades after the car collecting hobby hit maturity - there would be no important and unaccounted-for cars left to be found. But you would be wrong.

Carlisle Events has announced that the No. 1 Briggs Cunningham Le Mans Corvette from 1960 was recently found in a warehouse in Florida, where it had been sitting neglected since the mid-1970s. The car will be on display at this month's Corvettes at Carlisle, with the full backstory on the car, including the identity of its new owner, to be revealed on August 24.

The Corvette was one of three such cars racing legend Cunningham entered at Le Mans in 1960 as privateer efforts during General Motors' self-imposed ban on racing. While the other two Chevrolet racers have been discovered and restored, the No. 1 Corvette has been missing since shortly after the race when it was sold off as a street car. When the two-door appears at Carlisle it will be shown in unrestored, "as found" condition.

The No. 1 Corvette might not have been discovered if it were not for the car's owner researching the VIN on the BriggsCunningham.com website. That led the website owner to contact Carlisle co-founder Chip Miller, owner of the No. 3 car, who apparently brokered the deal with the Vette's new owner. Plans do call for restoration of the car and a possible reunion with its teammates.

Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Final missing Briggs Cunningham Le Mans Corvette discovered

Final missing Briggs Cunningham Le Mans Corvette discovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1960 chevrolet corvettebriggs cunninghamcarlislechevroletchevrolet corvettechevycorvettecorvettes at carlislecunninghamgmle mansMon, 06 Aug 2012 18:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20292834/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/06/final-missing-briggs-cunningham-le-mans-corvette-discovered/20292834/article-detail.xml 20292834 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/briggs-cunningham-1960-le-mans-corvette_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/briggs-cunningham-1960-le-mans-corvette.jpg <![CDATA[FIA bans former F1, IndyCar driver Tomáš Enge for failed drug test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/fia-bans-former-f1-indycar-driver-tomas-enge-for-failed-drug-te/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/fia-bans-former-f1-indycar-driver-tomas-enge-for-failed-drug-te/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/fia-bans-former-f1-indycar-driver-tomas-enge-for-failed-drug-te/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tomas Enge, race driver

Just a week after NASCAR took away AJ Allmendinger's keys indefinitely, the result of a failed drug test, Motorsport.com is reporting that the FIA has sidelined Tomáš Enge for a similar infraction. Enge also failed a recent drug test, earning an 18-month ban from racing for what would be his second such infraction.

Back in 2002, Enge finished the Formula 3000 season atop the standings, but had his title stripped after testing positive for marijuana use. According to the report, Enge denies that he's back on the drug, saying that he has chronic health problems and has asked the FIA for an exemption from its drug testing rules for medications related to his cardiovascular problems. Enge intends to fight the suspension in the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

Most recently, Enge has been racing in the GT1 sports car series, though he drove in Formula One in 2001 and raced in IndyCar during the 2005 season. His greatest successes have come behind the wheel of sports cars, earning a class victory in the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans behind the wheel of a Ferrari and winning the 2009 European Le Mans Series LMP1 championship driving an Aston Martin.

FIA bans former F1, IndyCar driver Tomáš Enge for failed drug test originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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