Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/formula-le-mans-join-the-big-boys-in-the-le-mans-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/formula-le-mans-join-the-big-boys-in-the-le-mans-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/formula-le-mans-join-the-big-boys-in-the-le-mans-series/#comments
Formula Le Mans Oreca FLM09 - Click above for image gallery
Most major racing disciplines around the world have a clear and comprehensive framework to allow aspiring drivers to learn the ropes. Pretty much everyone starts in karting, but from there F1 hopefuls go on to Formula Renault and other open-wheeled series; NASCAR aspirants to ARCA and the Nationwide Series; rally prodigees to local championships; and so on and so forth. But teams fielding Le Mans prototypes had to recruit from other disciplines. That is, until now.

Earlier this year, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest - the organization behind Le Mans and its associated series - launched Formula Le Mans, known in America as the Le Mans Prototype Challenge. The idea was simple: everybody driving the same cars, designed on the same model as LMP1 and LMP2 racers, in support races to existing LMS events. French racing team (and, since acquiring Courage Competition, chassis constructor) Oreca was contracted to design and build the cars and help organize the series.

The purpose-built chassis known as the FLM09 packs a Chevy LS3 tuned to 430 horsepower with Magneti Marelli engine management, driving an Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox to Michelin slicks housing Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. Eight teams participated in the inaugural season this year, fielding some 50 drivers at races at Spa-Francorchamps, La Sarthe, Algarve, the Nurburgring, Silverstone and Magny-Cours.

The opening season was a success, prompting ACO and Oreca to launch a winter series, currently under way. But for next year's series, Formula Le Mans will be fully integrated into the Le Mans Series as another category, much as they've been run in the American Le Mans Series since their inception. In order to separate the FLM cars from the higher-level LMP2 and keep them running for the full race distance, however, the Oreca FLM09s be equipped with restrictor plates. The integration of FLM into the full series ought to make for some interesting racing and a more hands-on training ground for aspiring drivers when they join the grid next year, but for now you can read the full press release after the jump and browse the mega gallery by hitting the thumbnails below.


Gallery: Formula Le Mans Oreca FLM09


[Source: Formula Le Mans]

Continue reading Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series

Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acoautomobile club de louestAutomobileClubDeLouestflmflm09formula le mansFormulaLeMansle mansle mans seriesLeMansLeMansSerieslmplmp1lmp2lmsorecaoreca flm09OrecaFlm09Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Aston Martin to develop all-new LMP1 car for 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-aston-martin-to-develop-all-new-lmp1-car-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-aston-martin-to-develop-all-new-lmp1-car-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-aston-martin-to-develop-all-new-lmp1-car-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lola-Aston Martin LMP1 - click above for high-res image gallery

For its current Le Mans prototype racing program, Aston Martin has teamed up with veteran chassis builder Lola to create a car powered by a race-ready version of its production V12. But the current 6.0-liter twelve-cylinder won't be allowed under the new Automobile Club de l'Ouest prototype rules that go into effect for 2011, so a new powerplant will be required.

To that end, AutoWeek is reporting that Aston Martin chairman Dave Richards has revealed that the British firm has begun work on a successor - and this time, the work is being done in-house, with the new car slated to be powered by an all-new bespoke race engine. Details are slim, however, with Richards only confirming that the engine will be powered by gasoline.

Work on the new car has been ongoing for more than two months. However, the team opted not to run the new chassis in 2010 because the gas-diesel equivalency rules are still unfavorable. Richards has also confirmed that financing for the new car has already been lined up.


Gallery: Lola-Aston-Martin LMP1


[Source: AutoWeek]

REPORT: Aston Martin to develop all-new LMP1 car for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinaston martin lmp1AstonMartinAstonMartinLmp1dave richardsDaveRichardsfalsele mansle mans prototypeLeMansLeMansPrototypelmp1lolalola aston martinlola aston martin lmp1LolaAstonMartinLolaAstonMartinLmp1Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/american-le-mans-series-changes-up-racing-classes-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/american-le-mans-series-changes-up-racing-classes-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/american-le-mans-series-changes-up-racing-classes-for-2010/#commentsFiled under:

2009 ALMS at Long Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery

The American Le Mans Series is responding to economic conditions and the decline in the diversity of racing machinery on the grid by changing up the racing classes in its ranks for next season. Rather than imposing spending caps that would be tough to enforce, the series is adding new classes that are closer to production machinery.

Starting in 2010, the two-tier LMP1 and LMP2 categories will be merged into one LMP class, while a new LMP Challenge class will be added starting with the inclusion of Oreca's lower powered Formula Le Mans cars. However, the old system will remain in place for the Sebring 12 Hours and Petit Le Mans races so as to allow European teams to compete in the series' premier American races.

In the GT categories, GT2 class will be remade as GT in the wake of GT1's decline, with a new GT Challenge mirroring the LMP Challenge class for Porsche 911 GT3s. ALMS CEO Scott Atherton has left the door open to other GT3 competitors if they are interested, so hopefully we'll soon see the Audi R8 GT4 get the necessary mods to run in the GTC class.

The revised classifications should amount to more direct competition between challengers - provided the standings don't get too convoluted by the premier event exceptions.


Gallery: American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio 2009


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010

American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's mid-June and that means it's time for the 24 Hours of Le Mans again. If the past decade is anything to go by, the number one contenders will again be the factory Audis, which have won eight of the last nine races (all nine if you count the 2003 as the Audi it truly was). For the past two years, the big battle for overall glory has been between the diesel-powered Audi R10 and Peugeot 908, and this year looks to be no different aside from Audi having an all new car, the R15, still with TDI power.

While the Peugeots have shown superior speed the last two years, the Audis have had better reliability and pit work. This year, the R15s appear to have made up the speed deficit, and the Germans look set for victory again if the crew can keep them running. Unfortunately for Audi, the race won't start with one of its cars in the lead, as Stephane Sarrazin has once again captured the poll in his Peugeot 908 for a record third straight year. Alan McNish managed to qualify one of Audi's three R15s right behind Sarrazin, but the other two cars managed to qualify only sixth and seventh on the starting grid. Three other Peugeot 908s will start from third, fourth and fifth, respectively, which means diesel power penetrates all the way back to the fourth row on this year's starting grid.

For those interested in following Audi's progress this weekend, the automaker is following up up its Sebring Facebook coverage with even more social media stuff this weekend. You can find photos, videos and news at AudiR15TDI.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Our own Damon Lavrinc will also be reporting live from Le Mans this year, so keep an eye on Autoblog and make sure to follow our Twitter feed all weekend long.

[Sources: Yahoo Eurosport, Audi, AutoCar | Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images]

Peugeot takes pole at 24 Hours of Le Mans for third straight year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the Pratt & Miller LMP1 Corvette that never was

Autoblog friend and sports car racing junkie, Mike Laney, recently got the chance to tour Pratt & Miller (a.k.a. Corvette Racing HQ), and besides building the Speed GT Cadillac CTS-V, Pontiac GTO.R & GXP.R, C5-R and C6.R ALMS GT1 Corvettes, the company also makes the ZR1-rivaling C6RS road car. During his tour of the facilities, Mike spotted a wind tunnel model of an unfamiliar race car. As it turns out, the model was the car that P&M had envisioned for Corvette's attack on Le Mans, or rather, a scale model version of that car. As Mike puts it:
"Pratt & Miller had been working on an LMP1 Corvette, due to race in the American Le Mans Series and at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. The ACO's proposed LMP1 EVO regulations (then due to go into effect in 2010 or 2011) looked very appealing to GM as it'd give them a way to fight for overall victories and do it with a car that looked decidedly like a Corvette... Due to the economy, regulation changes, and the struggles at GM, this car will unfortunately probably never be anything more than a wind tunnel model."
It's really a stunning model, with just enough Corvette DNA in the styling to make it recognizable as America's preeminent sports car. To think that this might have mounted an assault on Le Mans makes us long for a time not so long ago when the global economic condition was a lot more favorable to racing and the auto industry in general. Heck, we hope General Motors keeps the model around when plans for the C7 get into high gear. Thanks for the inside scoop, Mike!


Gallery: Pratt & Miller LMP1 Corvette


[Source: Mike Laney]

What Might Have Been: Corvette LMP1 challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European Le Mans Series, Catalunya 2009 - Click above for image gallery

Ambition is good. Ambition backed by competence is better. Aston Martin Racing would appear to have both.

Since landing on the endurance racing scene in 2005 with a victory in its first race, the competition arm of the venerable British sportscar-maker has become an indomitable force, taking victory in the GT1 category at Le Mans two years in a row and expanding into every other GT class along the way. But AMR wasn't satisfied with class wins, so for this year, David Richards and company took aim at the diesel-burning big boys from Audi and Peugeot by entering the Le Mans Prototype Class with a DBR9-powered Lola chassis in partnership with Charouz Racing Systems. The Gulf-liveried Astons were unveiled less than a month ago, but made their racing debut this past weekend in Spain at the 1000 km of Catalunya, the season-opener to the European Le Mans Series. Follow the jump to read how it all unfolded.


Gallery: European Le Mans Series - Catalunya 2009

Continue reading Aston Martin LMP1 debuts at Le Mans Series season-opener in Catalunya [SPOILER ALERT]

Aston Martin LMP1 debuts at Le Mans Series season-opener in Catalunya [SPOILER ALERT] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res image of the 2009 Aston Martin LeMans Works LMP1

Aston Martin is ready to tackle the 2009 24 Hours of LeMans in a pair of Gulf-liveried LMP1 vehicles on the 50th anniversary of its only overall win in the Franco enduro. The two coupes are based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola and will be powered by the same production-based V12 found in the LeMans GT1 DBR9. Development was performed by Lola, Michelin, Koni and BBS, along with Aston's largest partner, Gulf Oil. Driving duties will be handled by Jan Charouz, Tomas Enge and Stefan Mücke, along with Darren Turner who was part of the team that campaigned the DBR9 GT1 crew in 2007 and 2008. Harold Primat is the newest addition to the team and one other driver will be announced shortly. Unfortunately, Aston won't be campaigning in the GT1 class in bid to focus all its efforts on LMP1 program. It's going to be an exciting year and we're hoping to bring it to you live the weekend of June 13 and 14. All the details are available in the press release below the fold.

Continue reading Aston Martin returning to LeMans with two Works LMP1 cars

Aston Martin returning to LeMans with two Works LMP1 cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinAstonMartinlemanslmp1worksMon, 26 Jan 2009 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Le Mans organizers to ban V10s and V12s from LMP1 in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/le-mans-organizers-to-ban-v10s-and-v12s-from-lmp1-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/le-mans-organizers-to-ban-v10s-and-v12s-from-lmp1-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/le-mans-organizers-to-ban-v10s-and-v12s-from-lmp1-in-2011/#commentsFiled under:


The latest in a string of reports on Le Mans Series rule changes could stand to really shake things up in the prototype classes in a few years. ACO, the French racing organizers which coordinate the European Le Mans Series and its headline event, are reportedly planning on banning V10s and V12s from the top-tier LMP1 class by 2011.

In their place, LMP1 would adopt the rules currently in place for LMP2, which means 3.4-liter V8s and 2.0-liter turbos. LMP2, meanwhile, would switch exclusively to production-based engines. Both Audi and Peugeot, who have dominated the series with their 12-cylinder turbodiesels, are reportedly in favor of the change in formula despite the need to send their engine development programs back to the drawing board.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Le Mans organizers to ban V10s and V12s from LMP1 in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acoalmsautomobile club de louestAutomobileClubDeLouestle mansle mans dieselle mans regulationsle mans seriesle mans tdile mans turbo dieselLeMansLeMansDieselLeMansRegulationsLeMansSeriesLeMansTdiLeMansTurboDiesellmp1lmp2lmsFri, 26 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot 908 HY to close Le Mans Series in hybrid style]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/14/peugeot-908-hy-to-close-le-mans-series-in-hybrid-style/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/14/peugeot-908-hy-to-close-le-mans-series-in-hybrid-style/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/14/peugeot-908-hy-to-close-le-mans-series-in-hybrid-style/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Peugeot 908 HY

At the finale of the European Le Mans Series at Silverstone, Peugeot is rolling out the 908 HY, a hybrid version of the 908 HDi FAP that made the LMP1 battle at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans a very interesting affair. The 908 HY might well be what we see at Circuit de la Sarthe next June is the ACO regs for 2009 allow it.

Under that silver livery set off by blue lightning bolts, the 908 HY incorporates a KERS; a 60kW electric motor/generator; ten lithium ion battery packs split into two locations; and a power converter that manages the energy transfer between said battery packs and the electric motor. In addition to light-duty, EV-only operation, the 908 HY can run its diesel V12 solo or it can combine the two --- the electric motor's power can be summoned to provide added boost, either on demand or automatically. According to Peugeot, the electric motor supplies 80 more horsepower for 20 seconds or so. Oh, and lest we forget, the hybrid system also saves fuel without diminishing the 908's already impressive performance capabilities.

The Peugeots at Le Mans this summer were fast, but when the checkered flag waved, it was Audi atop the podium once again. You know French automaker desperately wants to win Le Mans and knock its German rival off the top step, and this evolution of the 908 HDi FAP might well be the car to do it -- if the rules let it in, and if it can hold up for the duration of the race. Here's hoping the 908 HY makes the cut in the eyes of the ACO, because watching Peugot go for the brass ring should provide plenty of excitement for motorsport aficionados. Thanks for the heads-up, Richard.

Gallery: Peugeot 908 HY


[Source: Peugeot via Supercars.net]

Continue reading Peugeot 908 HY to close Le Mans Series in hybrid style

Peugeot 908 HY to close Le Mans Series in hybrid style originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even though 3 different makes made the podium of this year's Le Mans race for just the second time in thirty years, diesels have owned the course of late. To increase parity, the race's sanctioning body, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), has slightly modified the rules to aid gas-engined entrants -- like the 3rd placed Pescarolo Judd. For 2008, the air restrictors in gas-engined cars will be 3% larger. Three percent isn't likely to entirely rock the standings, but it should help make the racing more lively. The other change announced is that all LM P1 cars will be allowed a lower minimum weight of 900 kg, down from 925 kg.

[Source: Motorsport.com]

ACO adjusts rules for '08 race season originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First the good news for Audi Sports North America. The No. 7 R10 won the LMP1 class during last weekend's 9th Round of the American LeMans Series race at Mosport. With the win, Audi has clinched the LMP1 championship with three races left to run. Unfortunately, Audi has yet again failed to claim an outright win despite dominating the entire race ahead of those pesky LMP2 cars.

The Audi driven by Alan McNish had inherited the lead late in the race when Timo Bernhard pitted his LMPS Penske Motorsports Porsche RS Spyder. Things were going well, with the McNish building a comfortable 22-second lead. Unfortunately, the R10 then experienced some kind of gearbox malfunction with ten minutes to go that left McNish with only the higher gears. Every tight corner of the track gave Bernhard another opportunity to close the gap. Bernhard caught McNish with about five minutes left to go, and went on to build a 19.575-second lead.

Check out the rest of our recap and VIDEO of the last five minutes of last weekend's race at Mosport after the jump, courtesy of SPEED.

[Source: ALMS]

Continue reading Audi R10s lose a heartbreaker in Mosport

Audi R10s lose a heartbreaker in Mosport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mcnishAlanMcnishalmsamerican lemans seriesAmericanLemansSeriesaudiaudi r10AudiR10lmp1lmp2mosportpenskeporscheMon, 27 Aug 2007 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Gauntlet thrown: Audi wants to end LMP2 win streak at Road America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/gauntlet-thrown-audi-wants-to-end-lmp2-win-streak-at-road-ameri/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/gauntlet-thrown-audi-wants-to-end-lmp2-win-streak-at-road-ameri/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/gauntlet-thrown-audi-wants-to-end-lmp2-win-streak-at-road-ameri/#commentsFiled under: ,


click image for high-res version suitable as desktop wallpaper

The "1" in "LMP1" is supposed to signify that this is the top class in the ALMS. But for a good stretch of this season, the top of the podium has featured LMP2 cars, instead. For Audi, long the top P1 team, it is particularly troublesome that German rival Porsche is the team ahead of them during this P1 slump. And as they head to Road America for the next round of the series, they are saying "enough is enough." Audi is telling anyone who will listen that the Porsches are going down. If that sounds cocky, it shouldn't. Audi should be confident here as they've never lost a race at this familiar course in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The fast track should allow that big diesel to run free and show off all of its torque once again.

Since an LMP2 car has outright won the last five races in a row, the governing body of the ALMS has decided to slow the class down for the 2008 season by adding mandatory weight to each car. Now, if that sounds like the ALMS is helping Audi win, it is. But the rules should favor the LMP1 class to win, and five losses in a row for the class means something is amiss, so a little tweaking is understandable.

Full press release with weekend schedule after the jump.

[Source: Audi Motorsport]

Continue reading Gauntlet thrown: Audi wants to end LMP2 win streak at Road America

Gauntlet thrown: Audi wants to end LMP2 win streak at Road America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALMSAudi R10AudiR10LMP1LMP2Porsche RS SpyderPorscheRsSpyderRoad AmericaRoadAmericaFri, 03 Aug 2007 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Le Mans-bound Peugeot 908's race livery unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/le-mans-bound-peugeot-908s-race-livery-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/le-mans-bound-peugeot-908s-race-livery-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/le-mans-bound-peugeot-908s-race-livery-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Peugeot 908 HDi Le Mans Prototype
Click image for hires photo gallery

As you can see above, Peugeot has unveiled the official race livery for the fantastic-looking 908 Le Mans prototype that the automaker will campaign as a two-car team in the European Le Mans Series and the fabled 24 Hours of Le Mans. Those of you who've been following the car's development know that it's driven by Peugeot's HDi FAP V12 diesel engine, which should produce upwards of 700 horsepower and an monstrous 850 ft-lbs of torque. Le Mans will provide motorsports fanatics with the ultimate showdown, as the closed-roof French racer takes on Germany's world-beating Audi R10 TDI pair in what's sure to be match for the ages. It will be the first time the cars compete against each other, as the Audis remain stateside competing in the American Le Mans Series while the Peugeots campaign in Europe. This is gonna be a lot of fun to watch.

Three more shots of the Pug in its race threads can be found in the attached gallery, which also contains a slew of other images ranging from the HDi FAP V12 to the unpainted car undergoing testing.

[Source: Peugeot]

Gallery: Peugeot 908 HDi



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Le Mans-bound Peugeot 908's race livery unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>908 hdi908 hdi fap908Hdi908HdiFaple mansle mans prototypeLeMansLeMansPrototypelmplmp1p1peugeotpeugeot 908peugeot 908 hdiPeugeot908Peugeot908HdiSun, 11 Mar 2007 12:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R10 wins little Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/audi-r10-wins-little-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/audi-r10-wins-little-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/audi-r10-wins-little-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: ,



Despite regulations allowing its competitors to race with 143 lbs. less weight, Audi managed to claim the win this weekend at the Petit Le Mans endurance race at Road Atlanta. Other LM P1 cars from Zytek, Creation and Porsche were actually faster than the Audis thanks to the rules that lightened their load, but the R10's bulletproof durability and lower fuel consumption, combined with error-free driving from Alan McNish and Dindo Capello, carried one of the two Audi cars across the finish line first. The second R10, driven by the Le Mans winning team of Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner, was poised to finish alongside or ahead of its counterpart, but contact with a slower GT car pushed the team back to seventh overall and fourth in LM P1.

With the win, Audi clinches the Manufacturers' Championship in LM P1, having already won both the Drivers' and Teams' Championship. It's also the seventh straight Petit Le Mans victory for Audi and the tenth straight win at Road Atlanta. That is what they call merciless domination, folks. Watching the diesel-powered R10 mow down its gas-powered competitors all season makes us a little more than excited for the start of the next 24 Hours of Le Mans where Peugeot is preparing to fight fire with fire by fielding its own diesel-powered Le Mans racer, the 908.

[Source: Audi]

Audi R10 wins little Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Le MansLeMansLM P1LmP1motorsportsPetit Le MansPetitLeMansR10racingMon, 02 Oct 2006 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[A Radical assault on Audi in LMP1 racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/24/a-radical-assault-on-audi-in-lmp1-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/24/a-radical-assault-on-audi-in-lmp1-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/24/a-radical-assault-on-audi-in-lmp1-racing/#commentsFiled under:




While their first year in LMP2 hasn't produced a win yet, the performance of the SR9 has been impressive, and Radical has announced plans to step up to LMP1 when the series moves to its new closed cockpit cars in 2010. Ruling body ACO recently adopted a new framework for P1 cars that will have the cars looking more like "road cars" with closed tops, sleeker bodies with not as many obvious cooling ducts, and smaller rear wings. Rather than go it alone, it seems Radical is trying to attract a major manufacturer that would want to go head-to-head with Audi and newcomer Peugeot in the European series. Quotes and another photo-illustration after the jump.

[Source: Radical]

Continue reading A Radical assault on Audi in LMP1 racing

A Radical assault on Audi in LMP1 racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Sep 2006 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Le MansLeMansLMP1RadicalSR10Sun, 24 Sep 2006 07:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R8 goes out with a win]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/02/audi-r8-goes-out-with-a-win/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/02/audi-r8-goes-out-with-a-win/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/02/audi-r8-goes-out-with-a-win/#commentsFiled under: ,



The final page of the Audi R8's chapter in motorsports history was written yesterday as an R8 driven by Dindo Capello and Allan McNish took the checkered flag at Lime Rock Park for the last time. The race was not a lock for the Audi LMP1 team, as a pair of persistent Porsche LMP2 cars traded the lead with Capello and McNish multiple times. The R8 lost the lead with an hour to go when it was stopped entering pit lane by officials and forced to go another lap before refueling. McNish regained the lead, however, with 30 minutes to go and never looked back until it crossed the finish line 11.812 seconds ahead of the second place Porsche.

The win gave the R8 its 63rd win in 80 races, including five victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The winning R8 car at Lime Rock was sporting a sticker that read "My other car is a diesel," referring to the pair of R10 TDI prototypes that will replace it in the American Le Mans Series beginning with the next race in Salt Lake City on July 15th.

[Source: Audi]

Audi R8 goes out with a win originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Jul 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American Le MansAmericanLeMansdieselLe MansLeMansLMP1LMP2R10 TDIR10TdiR8Sun, 02 Jul 2006 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Le Mans prototypes to get a roof]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/17/le-mans-prototypes-to-get-a-roof/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/17/le-mans-prototypes-to-get-a-roof/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/17/le-mans-prototypes-to-get-a-roof/#commentsFiled under:



The organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans have announced that the race's premier class, the LMP1 prototypes, will be restricted to coupe-style cars starting in 2010. The Automobile Club d'Ouest (ACO) announced the change in the run-up to this weekend's running of the endurance racing classic.

Although the current regulations allow for both coupe and roadster body styles, different specifications for the two body types have given the roadsters the performance edge. The Bentley EXP Speed 8 shown above was the last hardtop to win the race, in 2003.

The rule change is intended to make the cars in the headline class look more similar to road cars. (You see lots of waist-high winged coupes on your morning commute, right?) Rules for the smaller LMP2 prototypes will be unchanged, allowing open-top cars.

The change will also affect the American Le Mans Series in the U.S. and the Le Mans Endurance Series in Europe, both of which run to ACO rules.

[Source: SpeedTV.com  Photo courtesy Bentley]

Le Mans prototypes to get a roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jun 2006 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of Le Mans24HoursOfLeMansAutomobile Club d'QestAutomobileClubD'qestLe MansLeMansLMP1prototyperace carRaceCarracerracingSat, 17 Jun 2006 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi focuses R10 on Le Mans, R8 to race in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/19/audi-focuses-r10-on-le-mans-r8-to-race-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/19/audi-focuses-r10-on-le-mans-r8-to-race-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/19/audi-focuses-r10-on-le-mans-r8-to-race-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,



When Audi launched the new R10 diesel-powered Le Mans Prototype early this year, the company said that the R10 program was focused on the goal of winning the 2006 running of the 24 hours of Le Mans in June. The R10's victorious debut at the American Le Mans Series Sebring opener notwithstanding, the R10s have returned to Europe for an intensive testing and development program in preparation for the big show June 17/18.

ALMS fans of the big prototypes will not be deprived of an Audi fix in the meantime, though. In the interim, Audi Sport North America will campaign a single Audi R8 for Sebring winners Allan McNish and Dindo Capello, giving them the chance to gain valuable championship points before the two R10s return to the U.S. after Le Mans.

The two R10 prototypes return to the ALMS for the July 15 race at the new Miller Motorsports Park circuit in Utah, where McNish and Capello will be joined by the 2005 ALMS championship-winning team of Frank Biela and Emmanuele Pirro.

[Source: Audi Motorsport]

Audi focuses R10 on Le Mans, R8 to race in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Apr 2006 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesle manslmplmp 1lmp1r 10r 8r10r8Wed, 19 Apr 2006 20:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura is going to Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/acura-entering-2007-american-le-mans-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/acura-entering-2007-american-le-mans-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/acura-entering-2007-american-le-mans-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The American Le Mans Series got a huge boost Wednesday with the announcement in New York by the Acura division of American Honda Motor that it plans to enter the ALMS series in 2007 - with the ultimate goal of racing in the premier LMP1 class at Le Mans! The announcement marks the first factory motorsports program for the Acura brand in its 20-year history.

In the words of John Mendel, senior VP of Auto Operations for Acura, "Our entry as a full factory team in the American Le Mans Series will accurately reflect Acura's position as a leader in automotive performance and technology."

The Acura ALMS program features the first race engine developed from scratch by Honda Performance Development in California, which also supplies engines to the Indy Racing League.

By the sounds of it, Acura is in sports car competition for the long haul. In 2007, Acura powerplants will power multiple LMP2 chassis from Lola and Courage, as a prelude to development of a complete Acura LMP1 chassis and engine package to compete in the ALMS and ultimately at Le Mans. Acura's LMP2s will debut at the 2007 Twelve Hours of Sebring in March, and testing will begin this summer.

Acura has competed in the upper echelons of sports car racing before, although never as a full factory effort. Acura engines powered Spice cars in the IMSA Camel Lights series to three consecutive championships in the early '90s.

More pictures of Acura's ALMS concept after the jump!

[Sources: Honda, American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading Acura is going to Le Mans

Acura is going to Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura prototypeacura racingamerican le mans seriesAmericanLeMansSeriesle manslmp1lmp2prototypeWed, 12 Apr 2006 16:24:00 EST