Autoblog

Nürburgring lap days fast becoming a thing of the past

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe

It may as well be on The List, because lapping the infamous Nordschleife at the Nürburgring is one of those rites of passage for so many driving enthusiasts around the world. It's also increasingly becoming the go-to test track for automakers big and small. But those two things may in the end become mutually exclusive.

The root of the problem appears to be a lack of funding for the Nürburgring. The famous public race track in the Eifel hills of Germany is publicly owned but privately managed, and the books have - push come to shove - just not balanced out recently. In an effort to turn a profit, Nürburgring Automotive has tried turning it into a tourist attraction, but with the expensive Ring˚Werk complex still weighing down the books and the number of tourists it was supposed to attract still not coming out to the track's remote part of the German countryside, management is apparently changing tracks. (Figuratively speaking, anyway.)

The result is that the latest calendar released by Nürburgring Automotive has fewer and fewer slots open for "tourist drivers" to come lap the Ring. That's because the circuit is being rented out more and more to automakers, who undertake development work there and pay more consistently than random ticket sales from enthusiasts. There's still plenty of weekend openings available, but those - as Autoweek correspondent Davey Johnson points out - typically much busier than the now-elusive weekday slots.

At the end of the day, we can hardly blame anyone in specific. The enthusiasts pay handsomely and take considerable risks to do what they love. The automakers pay more in search of the bragging rights and the taut chassis setups we all clamor for. Nürburgring Automotive, for its part, needs to balance the books if the Nordschleife is to stay open at all. But the bottom line is that the days of showing up in Eifel and lapping the vaunted Green Hell may be drawing to a close, and that's just a shame.

Nürburgring lap days fast becoming a thing of the past originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unofficial: BMW F10 M5 sets fastest production sedan time at the Ring with 7:55 lap

Noah Joseph — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW

2012 BMW M5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ah, the Nürburgring lap time board. Perhaps the ultimate in bragging rights for any performance automobile worth its Nordschleife bumper sticker. An unreliable indicator, maybe, since climate conditions can have adverse affects on a lap time around the massive, undulating German road course, but so it stands just the same.

The leader boards are populated by all manner of supercars, from Italian exotics and German muscle machines to Japanese monsters and barely street-legal racecars for the road. What binds them all is that they've all got two doors. Or no doors, as in the case of the Radical trackday racers that top the list. But what if you want to bring three or four friends along for the ride around the Green Hell?

Only four sedans have dipped below the venerable eight-minute mark: the Porsche Panamera, the Audi RS4, the Cadillac CTS-V and this, the new F10-generation BMW M5. That is, at least, according to reports, which state that a BMW factory driver posted a 7:55 lap time. The reports are completely unconfirmed and unofficial, and our man on the ground Michael Harley heard nothing about it while on location this past weekend for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. If true, however, the new M5 would stand as the fastest four-door on the Ring yet - and a good eighteen seconds faster than the model it replaces.

Unofficial: BMW F10 M5 sets fastest production sedan time at the Ring with 7:55 lap originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru RWD coupe spotted on the 'Ring

Noah Joseph — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Subaru

Subaru RWD Coupe at the Nurburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery

We see a lot of spy shots here at Autoblog. But few vehicles have popped up quite as much as the Toyobaru FT-86. The rear-wheel drive sportscar that may very well spawn Toyota, Scion and Subaru versions has popped up on roads around the world. And now it's taken to the Nürburgring.

The legendary German road course is a favorite among chassis development engineers for the variety of corners and surfaces around its undulating distance. Most German and many Japanese and American sportscars undergo at least part of their shakedown there, with many manufacturers maintaining on-site workshops.

While the Subaru coupe and its FT-86 sibling may not be up to the task of chasing LFAs and GTRs, its appearance at the notorious Green Hell may be our best indication yet of the car's sporting potential. Have a look in our high-res gallery of spy shots for more.

Subaru RWD coupe spotted on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gazoo Racing fields race-prepped Lexus CT hybrid at Nürburgring

Noah Joseph — Sun, 15 May 2011 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Lexus, Racing

Lexus Gazoo Racing CT - Click above for high-res image

When nearly 200 cars line up this weekend at the Nürburgring for the Adenauer ADAC Rudstrecken-Trophy, countless Porsches and BMWs will be among them. And a hybrid. Wait, what?

That's right. This year Gazoo Racing - the ToMoCo-backed outfit that has campaigned the Lexus LFA at the same track - is fielding a competition-spec Lexus CT 200h.

Well, we shouldn't call it a CT 200h, since while it's almost identical to the roadgoing CT hybrid, the 200 nameplate would be a bit of a misnomer. Because while the electric component of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system was kept in place for this racing machine, the 1.8-liter four was replaced by a 2.4. Perhaps it's a test platform for the upcoming more powerful CT?

Otherwise, beyond the required safety modifications, it's pretty much bone stock, right down shutting the engine off at idle and under braking. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Gazoo Racing fields race-prepped Lexus CT hybrid at Nürburgring

Gazoo Racing fields race-prepped Lexus CT hybrid at Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sabine Schmitz needs your help to save the Nürburgring

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Race tracks open and race tracks close. It's an unfortunate reality. But there are some circuits that we simply couldn't imagine the world carrying on without. Like the Nürburgring Norschleife.

Lamentable as it may be to even ponder, the legendary road-course in Germany is apparently in trouble, and not the kind that Lassie can save them from. The track is reportedly half a billion euros in debt, and while the government apparently wants to help, that support has apparently arrived in the form of indoor roller-coasters and other amusements built by private companies. Unfortunately, all the 'Ring really needed was a new parking lot and some maintenance.

With the unthinkable looming on the horizon, supporters have enlisted one Sabine Schmitz - the Ring Mistress herself - to campaign on their behalf. Follow the jump to hear her plea, and check out SaveTheRing on Facebook for more.. Hat tip to msport!

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

Continue reading Video: Sabine Schmitz needs your help to save the Nürburgring

Video: Sabine Schmitz needs your help to save the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Norschleife watches measure the time that counts

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Time. It's just about the ultimate bragging right when it comes to high-performance automobiles, and it usually comes down to one factor: how fast can said car get around the Nürburgring Nordschleife? Although hundreds of variables can come between a sportscar and a good lap time at the 'Ring, it's become the definitive yardstick by which such vehicles are measured. And if you're going to undertake to set a new record, you're going to need the right machine to measure it by.

For just such a venture there's the Nordschleife Chronograph. The German-made timepiece packs the usual time-of-day hands along with the split-second timing dials into a jumbo 43-millimeter stainless steel case with mineral crystal lens, black dial and leather strap.

The purveyors of all manner of merchandise related to the Green Hell also offer an innovative 24-hour wristwatch that displays the time over the course of a full day, instead of the half-day displays of conventional timepieces. Perfect for tracking endurance racing around the legendary circuit or keeping your head on straight when flying to Eiffel from overseas.

Arguably the best part, though, is that unlike some of the exclusive timepieces we've covered in the past with their very car-like five-figure price tags, these quartz-movement Nordschleife watches come in at 129 and 85 euros for the chronograph and 24-hour watch, respectively, which means more change for lap tokens and fresh tires.

[Source: Norschleife via Fourtitude]

Norschleife watches measure the time that counts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: EVO takes the Caparo T1 to the 'Ring

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Videos, MISC

Caparo T1 at the Nürburgring - Click above to watch the video after the jump

It's been a long time since we've heard anything about the Caparo T1. The Red Bull X1 may cut a similar profile, but unlike the strictly digital creation, the Caparo was actually built. Unfortunately, it didn't catch on as planned, but a minor detail like minimal market share can't stop EVO from pounding the snot out of it in Germany.

The British car rag is known for featuring only the good stuff, and in this case took the T1 for a spin around no less iconic a racetrack than the Nürburgring Nordschleife. As you can see from the video after the jump, this wasn't a closed-circuit record lap, EVO's Phil Bennett having to scythe his way through other traffic on the track. But watching the T1 make minced meat out of the 911 GT3s and Jaguar XFRs as if they're standing still is promise enough. And watch for the Jag pendulum powerslide mid-way through.

Gallery: Caparo T1

[Source: Evo via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: EVO takes the Caparo T1 to the 'Ring

Video: EVO takes the Caparo T1 to the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Watch the Pagani Zonda R's 6:47 'Ring run

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Specialty, Racing

Pagani Zonda R runs the 'Ring - Click above to watch video after the jump

The visuals to go with the "record." Pagani blasted its Zonda R over the Nürburgring for the purposes of testing production components. Removing all the mystery from the endeavor, the in-car video shows the view out the window as the driver of the R resets yet another bar at 6:47. We put "record" in quotes simply because this flier isn't road legal, so we're in all kinds of gray area. But it beat the Ferrari 599XX, and that's feat unto itself. Follow the jump for the sights and sounds.

Gallery: Pagani Zonda R

[Source: Pagani]

Continue reading Video: Watch the Pagani Zonda R's 6:47 'Ring run

Video: Watch the Pagani Zonda R's 6:47 'Ring run originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pagani Zonda R reportedly sets new Nürburgring record

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, MISC

Pagani Zonda R - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were blown away a couple of months ago when Ferrari broke the 7-minute barrier at the Nürburgring, then hold on to your hat, dear friend, because the Prancing Horse has just been bested by its own next-door neighbor.

Reports from the Old World indicate that a new Nordschleife record has been taken by the Pagani Zonda R. And by some margin, too: After Ferrari lapped the ring in 6:58, its cross-town rival reportedly scrubbed over ten seconds off that time with a 6:47.

Now before you protest that the Zonda R isn't road legal, we'll point out that the 599XX with which Ferrari scored its time isn't, either. Both these Modenese supercars belong to a new category of vehicle known as the track car, bridging the gap between street-legal and race cars with production-based forms. And the Zonda R, it would seem, is the new king.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Pagani Zonda R

[Source: PistonHeads]

Pagani Zonda R reportedly sets new Nürburgring record originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Production spec Lexus LF-A opens the taps outside the 'Ring

Chris Shunk — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Lexus, Toyota

The Lexus LF-A supercar has been a long time coming and Toyota has finally confirmed (in an ambiguous press release) that the production version is headed to the Tokyo Motor Show next month. The LF-A (or LF-L) is a lock for production and rumors have the Japanese supercar going on sale in the UK as early as this month. Lending more credence to its imminent arrival: a new video of the LF-A leaving a gas station outside the Nurburgring.

Joining a pre-production camo-clad mule is a white LF-A cloaked in a minimal amount of detail obscuring taping, and as the near production version heads out slowly from the lot, the lucky driver quickly gets on the go pedal, with the rev-happy 550 hp V10 powerplant letting out a series of F1-style cries. It's definitely worth your time, especially if you've got the speakers to appreciate the sound of Toyota's first exotic powertrain. Make the jump to check out the video and Toyota's release.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Production spec Lexus LF-A opens the taps outside the 'Ring

VIDEO: Production spec Lexus LF-A opens the taps outside the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Magic Ringdom: themepark planned for the N�rburgring

Noah Joseph — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:38:00 EST

Filed under: Europe

Some trends in the automotive industry worry us. Seriously. The emergence of car theme parks, however, does not. In fact, it makes us giddy as schoolkids. At Disneyland. With ice cream.

Following the plans for a Ferrari theme park in Abu Dhabi, the F1 theme park in neighboring Dubai (with other locations to follow) and the Cars-themed section of Disney's California Adventure comes the news that developers are planning to turn Europe's most famous racetrack into a theme park, as well. The plans, according to a report from AutoBild, will be centered around a new type of high-speed roller coaster that boards next to the start/finish line, accelerates down a 480-meter straight in parallel to the race track, takes a sharp left turn and runs along "the boulevard" back to the station. It doesn't appear to do any loops, just shoot down the straightaway at time-warping speeds: accelerated by compressed air, the eight-passenger train rockets to 217km/h (135mph) in just two and a half seconds - that's much faster than even an F1 racecar.

In addition to the coaster, several other attractions will be built at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, along with a new 5,000-seat grandstand and a four-star hotel. As if we needed another reason to make pilgrimage to the Ring.

[Source: AutoBild]

The Magic Ringdom: themepark planned for the N�rburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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