Autoblog

Lola shuttered as administrator unable to find buyer for bankrupt automaker

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST

When Lola Cars International filed for bankruptcy in May of this year, the expectation was that a buyer would be found because, after all, it's Lola. Over the past 54 years, the British racecar builder has had its aluminum and carbon fiber fingers in every top series and a cornucopia of feeder series', and it continues to have cars racing on tracks as you read this. A report on Speed puts paid to that, however, with word that no suitable buyer came forward and hence the division has been shut down and will probably have its assets sold.

For the moment, the move only affects Lola Cars, which is the car building arm of Lola Group Holdings. According to Speed, the Lola name and all of the intellectual property belong to the parent company, and LGH isn't affected bankruptcy and closure it just won't be building cars anymore. The Lola Composites division was also declared bankrupt in May, but remains a going concern seeking a buyer.

Lola shuttered as administrator unable to find buyer for bankrupt automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caterham SP/300.R claims new record at Cholmondeley [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, UK, MISC

We don't envy the British for many things - certainly little in the dental or gastronomical fields - but they do know how to put on a car show, we'll give them that. While the conventional London Auto Show may not be at the same level as the shows in Frankfurt, Paris or Geneva, the English take things one step further with moving expositions that put any other to shame. Forget Top Gear Live, we're talking about the Goodwood Festival of Speed that's coming up soon, and the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power that just concluded.

Dubbed the Goodwood of the North, Cholmondeley is built around a similar idea: take some drool-enducing supercars and race them up the hill on the grounds of an old castle. This year's event included Astons Martin, Bentleys, Bugattis and Lamborghinis aplenty. But the fastest vehicle there was a Caterham.

Beating the 62.68 lap record set by Lamborghini in 2010, the Caterham SP/300.R set a new record at 61.89 seconds. Granted, it's not worth quite the same in bragging rights as, say, a Nurburgring or Laguna Seca lap record, but all things being equal, it shows just what Caterham and Lola's new track car is capable of.

In case your unfamiliar with Cholmondeley, scroll down to watch a video of the hill climb from this year's event being run in a Radical SR3 SL.

Continue reading Caterham SP/300.R claims new record at Cholmondeley [w/video]

Caterham SP/300.R claims new record at Cholmondeley [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lola files for bankruptcy

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Earnings/Financials, UK, MISC

Lola may not be a name recognized by the average consumer, but racing fans will know it well. The British concern has built and continues to build race cars that have spanned an enormous variety of series and disciplines since its founding in 1958, including (but not limited to) Formula One, Le Mans, CART and just about every formula feeder series you could think of, including Formula Two, Formula 3, Formula 3000, Formula 5000 and A1GP. Now, unfortunately, the company is filing for bankruptcy protection.

The reasons are pretty simple: too many expenses and not enough revenue, although tax credits it was due from the British government are also said to be partially to blame. As a result, the outfit responsible for - among numerous other accolades - five LMP2 titles at Le Mans since 2000 alone is entering financial administration as it seeks new investors.

Along with it, Lola Cars is taking Lola Composites, however the effect this might have on its concerns in defense and aerospace (among other areas) remains to be seen. As is the future of the SP/300.R track car which Lola builds for Caterham, or the countless racing teams that continue to count on Lola to build and support their sports prototypes. But with so many racing programs at stake, we can hardly imagine the company's considerable capabilities and expertise will go unclaimed for long. Scroll down for the official announcement.

Continue reading Lola files for bankruptcy

Lola files for bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lola LMP2 racer sure looks like a Lotus

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:41:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Lotus, Racing

Lotus, we're sorry to say, promised a lot but delivered very little this year in Geneva. But that doesn't mean its show stand was without its eye candy. Feast your eyes on this new LMP2 racer.

Developed by Lola, powered by BMW and set to be fielded by the Kodewa team in the upcoming inaugural season of the FIA World Endurance Championship, this class-two Le Mans prototype may be a Lotus in name only, but it sure looks the part nestled in between the Lotus F1 Team's latest single-seater and the Evora GT sports racer.

That principally comes down to the black-and-gold livery applied to this beast much as it has to all of the company's other racing machinery. But that's no bad thing. See what we mean in the gallery of high-resolution images from the show floor.

Lola LMP2 racer sure looks like a Lotus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Lotus, Racing

The suitably rapid expansion of the Lotus Racing division is showing no signs of slowing down. The British marque has its own Formula One team, is supplying engines to the IndyCar Series, oversees both GP2 and GP3 teams, has competition versions of its road cars in various GT and rally championships, runs its own karting program, and offers enthusiasts top-notch trackday programs with the Evora GT and Exos/Type 125 single-seater. But that's not enough: now Lotus is gearing up to take on Le Mans.

The company was planning to design its own LMP2 racer, and it had snagged the designer of the 908 HDi away from the now-shuttered Peugeot Sport racing program. But that apparently didn't go quite as smoothly as planned, so Lotus has instead opted to back an independent team to run a second-tier Le Mans prototype on its behalf.

That team is Kodewa, headed up by former HRT F1 team principal Colin Kolles and his father Romulus. They'll be running a chassis built by Lola and powered by a BMW V8 prepared by Engine Developments - the same arrangement by which Lotus is powering its Indy program. The car, as you can see, features the same iconic black and gold livery as other Lotus racers, penned in this case by Daniel Simon - a former Volkswagen Group designer responsible for the Tron:Legacy lightcycles and the livery run on last year's HRT F111.

Look for the Lotus LMP2 to debut when the FIA World Endurance Championship kicks off here at Sebring in March, with a second car expected to join at Spa in May. Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2

Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lola wants back into F1

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Racing

F1 cars aren't made by teams. They're not made by automakers, either. They're made by chassis constructors. And few have the kind of experience in the field that Lola has.

The British company (similar to Dallara, Reynard and Panoz) makes a business out of designing and manufacturing racing cars. It makes Aston Martin's Le Mans prototype (among others) and spec racers for various feeder formulae. It made the last Champ Car chassis before the series folded into the IndyCar series, and it makes the SP/300.R track toy for Caterham. For many years, Lola made F1 cars for a variety of teams, too - like the THL1 pictured above, driven by Alan Jones and Patrick Tambay for Team Haas in 1985. And now it wants back in.

A couple of years ago, Lola was one of several outfits vying for a spot on an expanding F1 grid, but was ultimately overlooked in favor of the likes of Team Lotus, Virgin Racing and HRT. Back then, Lola hoped to design and build the chassis for an independent team to race, but now it wants to field its own F1 team. If only the FIA would give it a shot.

It's exactly the thing, say Lola's management, that the company needs to boost its profile. Having lost out to longtime rival Dallara for the new IndyCar contract, it could prove to be just what the doctor ordered. The FIA, for its part, already cleared the way for a 13th team on the grid, but opted not to award the slot to any of the applicants - Lola included. Looks like it's time to start lobbying again.

Lola wants back into F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dyson Racing to distribute Caterham-Lola SP/300.R in U.S.

Noah Joseph — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, MISC, Racing

It's official, ladies and gents: the Caterham SP/300.R is coming to America. (What, the ladies read Autoblog too. Right?)

The SP-what-now, you ask? The SP/300.R. It's the newest product from Caterham, and one of the few it has ever done that has nothing to do with the Lotus Seven. It's a track car in the mold of an LMP racer. It debuted at the beginning of the year with a 300-horsepower turbocharged Ford Duratec, and you can place an order for yours any day now.

Intriguingly, the factory opted not to go with Caterham USA, the company that imports and distributes all manner of Sevens across these United States, but gave the SP/300.R contract to Dyson Racing. If that name sounds familiar, it should. The racing team just tied up both the driver and team titles in the American Le Mans Series, a feather in the team's cap that has, since 1974, competed in everything from Grand-Am and Trans-Am to Champ Cars and Indy.

The America-bound examples of the SP/300.R will be shopped partially completed to Dyson's facility in Poughkeepsie, New York, where they'll undergo final assembly before delivery. So why Dyson over Caterham USA? The SP/300.R is built around a Lola chassis, and few have the kind of experience with Lola that Dyson Racing does.

Continue reading Dyson Racing to distribute Caterham-Lola SP/300.R in U.S.

Dyson Racing to distribute Caterham-Lola SP/300.R in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caterham counts far beyond Seven with new SP/300R [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Misc. Auto Shows, UK, MISC, Racing

Caterham SP/300R - Click above for high-res image gallery

The concept of the track car is a relatively new one, bridging the divide between racing cars and road cars. And with the confines of street driving constricting the enjoyment of sports cars on public roads, more and more drivers with the means have been opting for track-optimized performance machines. Particularly in the UK. What better company, then, to join the legions than Caterham?

The niche British sportscar company made a name for itself in continuing the production of the legendary Lotus 7, and while Caterham isn't abandoning that formula by any means, it has announced the new SP/300R as a second line. Built in collaboration with Lola - that of racing car fame - the Caterham SP/300R follows the same Le Mans-style prototype model popularized by rival firm Radical.

Technical details are still being finalized, but the beating heart of this consumer prototype is a 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine, supercharged and tweaked in-house to the tune of 300 horsepower. The engine is mounted longitudinally amidships and mated to a Hewland sequential transmission, but the chassis is designed to accommodate a range of powertrains at the buyer's request. As is, though, the manufacturer anticipates a 2.5-second sprint to 60, thanks mainly to its tidy 1,300-pound curb weight.

Caterham released the SP/300R as promised at the Autosport International show in Birmingham, England. It will only be building 25 examples of the vehicle each year - with a pre-tax price tag of £60,000 (around $93,000 USD) and plans to launch a spec racing series built around the vehicle as well. A street-legal version is also under consideration, but for now this beast remains confined to the track where it belongs. Follow the jump for a video and the full press release, and check out the trio of images released thus far in the gallery below. Thanks to Andrus for the video tip!

Gallery: Caterham SP/300R

[Source: Caterham]

Continue reading Caterham counts far beyond Seven with new SP/300R [w/video]

Caterham counts far beyond Seven with new SP/300R [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin looks set to flood Le Mans grids with new prototype

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin, Racing

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

Since returning to the sportscar racing scene in 2005, Aston Martin Racing has expanded its scope to cover every category of GT racing from the GT4-spec Vantage to the GT1-spec DBR9. But few were prepared for the full-on assault the British outfit launched last year in the top-tier, winner-takes-all LMP1 category.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the last Aston Martin overall victory at Le Mans, the team shoehorned the V12 engine from the victorious DBR9 into an existing Lola chassis with support from veteran LMP1 campaigners Charouz Racing System. The Aston-powered Lolas emerged among the most successful gasoline-powered entries (behind the diesel-powered Audis and Peugeots). But that was only a stop-gap measure. This year's 24 Hours of Le Mans - set to kick off next weekend - is slated to be the last time Aston uses the Lola chassis before it launches its own.

Developed by Aston's racing partner Prodrive - directed by Aston chairman David Richards - the ground-up Le Mans prototype is set to take to the track next year. But Aston won't be keeping the fun all to itself. According to the latest reports, the factory works team will field two cars of its own, and sell an additional two cars to a privateer team next year and then another two in 2012. If Aston can find an edge against the longer-running diesels - this is an endurance race, after all - or if the series organizers find an effective way of equalizing the performance between the fuel types, a field of six Aston prototypes stand a good chance of topping the podium within the next couple of years.

Gallery: Lola-Aston-Martin LMP1

[Source: Autosport]

Aston Martin looks set to flood Le Mans grids with new prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Universal Soldier: Lola presents adaptable IndyCar proposal

Noah Joseph — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Racing

Lola B12 IRL design proposals - Click above for high-res image gallery

It ain't over 'till the fat lady sings. Or so the saying goes, but while the British motorsport engineering firm may specialize in lightweight composites, make no mistake about it: In the global racing arena, Lola Cars is a heavyweight.

In addition to sports prototypes, Formula One racers and a variety of other racing machinery, Lola's history in Indy cars goes back all the way to the 1960s. Along the way, Lola has provided motivation to such notables as Graham Hill, Al Unser, Newman/Hass, Penske and Chip Ganassi, to name just a few. Now, following the competing designs unveiled by Ganassi-led upstart DeltaWing and arch-rival Dallara, Lola has announced its own bid for the new IRL chassis.

Less of a radical change certainly than the DeltaWing concept, Lola's proposal has focused on two key areas: aerodynamic stability and design adaptability. Instead of one design, the Lola package includes two alternatives, allowing teams to choose and thus imbuing the field with more variety than existing one-make series, IndyCar included. Both designs, however, have been optimized to reduce turbulence in their wake, allowing for closer following, drafting and passing - key factors in increasing the level of competition, particularly on high-speed super-speedways.

The most intriguing element of the Lola design, however, is its adaptability. The concept is designed for use - with minimal modification - in both the top-tier IndyCar series and the lower Indy Lights category, allowing junior teams to graduate to the senior series with a few simple changes. Further details are at your disposal in the press release after the jump, with high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Lola IRL B12/00 and B12/01 design proposals

[Source: Lola]

Continue reading Universal Soldier: Lola presents adaptable IndyCar proposal

Universal Soldier: Lola presents adaptable IndyCar proposal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Much is that F1 in the Window? Toyota reportedly looking to sell completed TF110

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Toyota

Toyota TF109 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For many Formula One teams, work on next year's car starts halfway through a running season. So by the time Toyota announced it would not be back for next season, it had already completed its design for 2010. Now that it won't be needing the car, however, the Japanese automaker's scuttled racing team is reportedly putting the design up for sale.

So who would be interested in buying the would-be Toyota TF110? None of the established teams, most of which are probably just as advanced in their design process for next year. After running Red Bull designs every year so far, Toro Rosso will be required to field its own car next season for the first time, but the process is reportedly well under way. Sauber apparenlty didn't stop work on its car even when BMW pulled out and they lost their slot for next season, which could work to their advantage if they get the nod to take Toyota's spot.

Fortunately for the Japanese automaker looking to recuperate some of its losses, they chose the right time to quit as there are a slew of new teams joining the grid for next season. And while Lotus and Campos have already contracted engineering firms to design their chassis - Aerolab and Dallara, respectively - either USF1 or Manor could jump at the opportunity. But they might not have to jump too high, as reports also indicate that the rejected Lola entry also already had a car ready to go, which could also be on the market.

Gallery: Toyota TF109

[Source: F1-Live]

How Much is that F1 in the Window? Toyota reportedly looking to sell completed TF110 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Aston Martin to develop all-new LMP1 car for 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

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.

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Grand Primer: A dozen new teams lodge bids to enter F1

Noah Joseph — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Whatever the outcome of the standoff between the Formula One Teams Association and the FIA, it was clear from the get-go that F1 was to change dramatically. As it turned out, the two parties - the first representing the teams currently participating in the sport and the second its governing body - have apparently reconciled their differences.

But as it turns out, even if all of the existing teams walked, the FIA would still have had a field of eager teams ready to take their place - that's one heck of a bargaining chip. One way or another, all indications are that the cost of running an F1 team will be drastically reduced in the near future, starting with next season. Lower costs mean easier access, and teams have been lining up by the dozen to take part in the new, more accessibly Formula One. Follow the jump to read all about 'em.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

Continue reading Grand Primer: A dozen new teams lodge bids to enter F1

Grand Primer: A dozen new teams lodge bids to enter F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Formula Shuffle: Lola, Aston Martin reportedly considering F1 entries; Mercedes to leave?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz

A string of reports over the past couple of days are emerging to paint a picture of a potentially huge reshuffle of the Formula One grid and the players involved as early as next season. The FIA and the teams are planning another round of regulation changes to further curb costs in F1, but while that might entice some, for others it could be too little too late.

First up to bat is Mercedes-Benz, which owns 40% of the McLaren team and supplies engines to both it and to Force India. Officials admit that in the current economic climate, the German automaker may have to shut down its F1 program, although remaining in the sport solely as an engine supplier (in other words, severing its remaining ties with McLaren) remains an option.

Meanwhile, several potential new teams are reportedly lining up at the turnstiles at the promise of a more cost-effective formula for next year. One key player is Aston Martin, which is pursuing overall victory in the LMP1 class of Le Mans racing this year after achieving dominance of the GT classes over years past. The company, and more specifically its racing team, is run by David Richards, who once headed Honda's F1 team and has been keen to get back into F1 despite previous assertions that he would not be rushing Aston Martin onto the grid. In the meantime, Lola has announced that it is starting development on its own F1 chassis with an eye towards returning to the grid next season. The British manufacturer competed in F1 during the Sixties under various banners before aborting an attempt to return in 1997. Although Lola makes the chassis which Aston Martin is running in the Le Mans Series this year, so far reports are not suggesting that the two could team up for a joint grand prix venture.

The reduced budgets promised for next year could entice some GP2 teams to move up to F1 as well, however by this point in the season the FIA would usually have announced the regulations for next season so that teams could begin development of their cars for next year.

[Source: F1-Live | Image: Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP/Getty]

Formula Shuffle: Lola, Aston Martin reportedly considering F1 entries; Mercedes to leave? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin announces expansion into LMP1 class

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:53:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

Never a moment's rest for the team at Aston Martin Racing. Not since Prodrive chief David Richards took over with his consortium of investors, at least. With the announcement of the V8 Vantage GT2, the team has expanded into every class of GT racing in the Le Mans Series, campaigning racing DB9s in GT1 and GT3 and competition-spec V8 Vantages in GT2 and GT4. But now that the regulations for the Le Mans Prototype class have been modified to allow for GT1 engines to power LMP cars, Aston Martin is turning its attention to that class, too.

Hot on the heels of the team's unveiling of the retro-tastic Gulf livery for its DBR9 GT1 cars, Aston Martin Racing has announced a collaboration with Charouz Racing Systems, which will campaign a Lola chassis with the DBR9's 6-liter V12 in this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the broader European Le Mans Series. Tomas Enge, Stefan Mucke and Jan Charouz will drive the car, and in addition to working in partnership with Lola's engineering team to repackage the V12 for the LMP chassis, Aston Martin Racing's engineers will support Charouz Racing System's cars at the races.

We're looking forward to seeing the car in full race trim and to witnessing Aston Martin taking on the entire field at this year's Le Mans 24. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin Racing via Motive]

Continue reading Aston Martin announces expansion into LMP1 class

Aston Martin announces expansion into LMP1 class originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Formula Nippon cars to be made in USA

Justin Gardiner — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Japan, Honda, Toyota

Thirty-odd years ago, Japanese car manufacturers began designing and building cars specifically for the world's largest automotive market place: America. Sadly, the big three never returned the compliment and have yet to design a car tailored to the second largest market: Japan. However, California's Swift Engineering has just won the contract to make all the chassis for Japan's top single-seater racing category, Formula Nippon, and so will be making a tiny dent in Japan's vast automotive trade deficit with America. Or they would be if the cars were road legal.

The new carbon monocoque replaces a steel-framed Lola chassis that the formula has used since becoming a single-make series in 2002, and will be bolted to 600HP+ 3.4L Honda and Toyota engines that are architecturally similar to those used in IRL. The most striking design change is that gaping 6'4" wide front wing which bucks the trend in international single-seater formulae for smaller, less efficient aerodynamic aids.

Will this help the car maintain downforce when drafting down straights and thus encourage overtaking? Let's hope so, but even if it doesn't, we think it looks cool.

[Source: Formula Nippon]

Gallery: 2009 F Nippon

2009 Formula Nippon cars to be made in USA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda announces ALMS entry, rotorheads weep

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mazda

That thing got a rotary in it? Nope, not this year. Dashing the hopes of Rotorheads everywhere, Mazda announced that it will be using an AER built conventional engine in its 2007 ALMS cars. Looks like pride and heritage will take a back seat to winning. As MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Manager Steve Sanders explained, the rules just make it too difficult for a rotary to be competitive right now. But this new AER-developed 2.0-liter 4 promises to offer a lot in the way of Zoom-Zoom.

More info and full press release after the jump.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda announces ALMS entry, rotorheads weep

Mazda announces ALMS entry, rotorheads weep originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Champ Car teams receive new Panoz chassis

Noah Joseph — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Plants/Manufacturing

American motor racing has been steadily moving towards "Spec", that is, each team racing the same car with the same engine and other components. The Indy Racing League runs Dallara chassis powered by Honda engines. (Although NASCAR technically uses a few different cars with different engines from different suppliers, they all look pretty much the same.) Now the latest spec racing cars for the Champ Car series - IRL's rival formerly known as CART - have just been delivered.

The new Panoz DP01 has been received by ten Champ Car teams, the first ten before the entire field makes the switch from the previous Lola-built cars. The new chassis will use the same turbocharged Cosworth V8 engines, the now independent engine supplier owning majority rights to the series and having involuntarily withdrawn from supplying engines in Formula One. They all run on spec Bridgestone tires, just as Formula One makes the switch next season.

Constructed primarily of carbon fiber, the new cars weigh an impressive hundred pounds less than their predecessor Lola counterparts. The chassis were delivered unpainted and all-but-identical to the teams who'll be adding their own team and sponsors' livery. We're looking forward to seeing the new cars in action.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Champ Car teams receive new Panoz chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Dec 2006 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ALMS Wrap: Audi, Corvette, Intersport, Risi win in Portland

Alex Nunez — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Etc., Aston Martin, Chevrolet, Porsche

LMP1: Audi R10 TDI (Capello/McNish)

Yesterday's ALMS Portland Grand Prix saw the Audi R10 pair finish 1-2 for the first time this season. The diesel sports cars started the race from rows two and three after IMSA enacted a late rules-change that allowed Dyson Racing to reduce the weight of its two Lola-AERs. The Dysons secured the pole and second grid positions and were running first and third when an incident involving one of the Penske Spyders and the Highcroft Racing LMP1 car brought out the yellow. On the restart the Audis took the lead and kept it. Dindo Capello and Alan McNish took the overall win in the #2 R10 TDI.

Follow the jump for more action-packed racing pics and to find out how the Corvettes fared in the GT1 Class, and whether or not the Porsche Spyders could pull out another victory in the LMP2 class.

[Various Sources via Motorsport.com and AmericanLeMans.com]

Continue reading ALMS Wrap: Audi, Corvette, Intersport, Risi win in Portland

ALMS Wrap: Audi, Corvette, Intersport, Risi win in Portland originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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