Autoblog

Porsche 911 Carrera S nails down 7:37.9 'Ring time [w/video]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

Porsche released a video of its 911 Carrera S lapping the Nürburgring last month, and with a time of 7:37.9, the quintessential sports coupe continues to impress. With Timo Kluck behind the wheel, this Carrera S posted better times around the 'Ring than the 997 911 Turbo and, according to PorscheBoost, it even knocked a full two seconds off the time the Carrera S recorded last year.

The run took place on August 28, but Porsche only published the video this week. After checking recorded lap times posted on Wikipedia, the 911's run was faster than independent tests of the Lexus LFA, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R and Ferrari 458 Italia (which all posted times of 7:38). That's good company if you ask us.

Scroll down to watch Kluck and the 911 tackle the Nordschleife.

Continue reading Porsche 911 Carrera S nails down 7:37.9 'Ring time [w/video]

Porsche 911 Carrera S nails down 7:37.9 'Ring time [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ecclestone says he will 'do everything' to save 'Ring

George Kennedy — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Government/Legal

The idea of a world without the Nürburgring seems unconscionable. Not only has it provided generations of exciting races, but it has become the measuring stick for performance credibility. While 'Ring times aren't 'official' we still pay close attention to them. Cadillac even uses those unofficial times in its advertising.

Unfortunately, things are looking bleak in the land of Nordschleife, and the track is heavily in debt. However, relief may come from an unlikely source as F1 boss and potential megalomaniac Bernie Ecclestone has vowed to "do what he can" to keep the historic track on the F1 schedule. Ecclestone has said that he will waive the usual race sanctioning fee for F1 to come to the 'Ring in 2013.

As a refresher, race organizers at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas will have to fork over $25 million for F1 to show up, so this could be huge for the 'Ring. The uncharacteristically generous Ecclestone said that he would "bear all costs, but also claim all revenues."

The Green Hell has apparently fallen under hard times and could use Berine's help. After building a roller coaster and mall on the property, the track is heavily in debt. The European Union, which has the problem of ailing economies on its hands, has said that it will not bail out the 'Ring. It may have to be partially or completely sold in order to cover the private investment made for the aforementioned off-track projects.

According to a track official, there is only a small window to put this deal together. Let's hope the most unlikely of saviors, Ecclestone, can save the 'Ring.

Ecclestone says he will 'do everything' to save 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M5 called in to service as new Ring Taxi

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Event Alert, Racing

There's any number of cars that can be used for taxis. The Ford Crown Vic, Nissan NV, Toyota Sienna... pretty much anything with a useable back seat, a cargo area and a roof on which to put a dome light. But a BMW M5? Surely that has to be overkill, right?

Maybe for most taxis, but this is no ordinary cab. This is the Ring Taxi. Operated by BMW and OK-Speed-Marketing at the Nürburgring, the Ring Taxi allows passengers to book a high-speed ride around the harrowing Nordschleife, chauffeured by a professional driver who knows the track's every twist and bump like the back of his (or in the case of Sabine Schmitz, her) capable hands.

For a few years the service was run in the previous-generation M5, with its high-revving V10 engine, but when that model was phased out of production, so was it retired from Ring Taxi duty. The M3 was said to have taken its place for a while, but now the M5 is back at it in its new iteration: all 560 twin-turbocharged horsepower of it.

Tickets for what will undoubtedly prove the ride of any enthusiast's life go for 216 euros ($282 by today's rates), with rides taking place once a week: on Mondays at 10 am. But BMW warns that if past experience (of which it has plenty) is any indication, hopefuls had better reserve well in advance as they tend to book up as fast as the new M5 will sling you around the Karousel.

BMW M5 called in to service as new Ring Taxi originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series turns in 7:46 lap on the 'Ring

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Democracy, said Winston Churchill, is the worst form of government...except for all the others. You might say the same of the Nürburging. Not the track itself, but the ultimate bragging rights that have emerged from comparing lap times on it. Because while there are countless factors that can affect a car's lap time over such a long circuit, it's still one of the best ways to measure a car's overall performance.

And so the comparisons carry on, especially for German cars that call the Nordschleife their backyard. This time we're looking at the latest slice of awesome wearing the Three Pointed Star, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series coupe, which has reportedly posted a 7:46 lap time at the hands of local publication Sport Auto.

Breaking the eight-minute barrier is an achievement unto itself - one which the standard C63 AMG coupe just barely missed with an 8:01 - but stands up better to comparison: In the same group test, the new Porsche 911 Carrera S barely edged it out at 7:44, while the BMW M3 GTS hit it in 7:48, placing the Black Series right in the middle of the two.

Of course, another test under different conditions, with different drivers on a different day would surely come away with different results. But in an imperfect world, these are as close as we'll get to perfect figures.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series turns in 7:46 lap on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vettel and Webber hit the Nürburgring in pair of Infiniti M sedans

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Infiniti, Luxury, Racing

This past weekend, the Formula One circus rolled into Eifel for the German Grand Prix. And though it was campaigned once again at the Nürburgring, the race was held on the GP-Strecke. The infamous Nordschleife hasn't been used for F1 racing since the early 80s, when it was deemed too dangerous for modern open-wheelers. But while they were on site, championship leaders Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber and their sponsor Infiniti didn't miss the opportunity for a little wheel-to-wheel action around the Green Hell.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance's premium marque that powers Seb's and Mark's Red Bull race cars put the duo on the Norschleife in a pair of Infiniti Ms, but here's the kicker: while Webber got the keys to the M37s sport sedan, Vettel climbed into the M35h hybrid.

So which driver had the advantage? Considering that Infiniti claims that the M35h is the world's quickest hybrid sedan and its most powerful car on the market - hitting 62 mph from a standstill in 5.5 seconds versus the conventional M37s' 6.2 - it looks like Vettel was set to get the jump on his elder wingman once again. Follow the jump to watch the video footage to find out.

Continue reading Vettel and Webber hit the Nürburgring in pair of Infiniti M sedans

Vettel and Webber hit the Nürburgring in pair of Infiniti M sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin V12 Zagato returns for ultimate showdown at the Nürburgring [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Coupe, Aston Martin, Racing

Aston Martin V12 Zagato at the Nürburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sure, the Aston Martin V12 Zagato may have won top honors upon its unveiling at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. But it's not just a pretty face. Aston Martin is keen to highlight that point, taking the V12 Zagato straight from the shores of Lake Como to the tarmac of the Nürburgring.

The racing version of the show car has already had two outings on the Ring in the past month or so, but those campaigns were merely in preparation for what's in store this weekend, when a pair of Zagatos - dubbed "Zig" and "Zag" - will take on the grueling ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours.

A red example (Zag) will be piloted by the company's CEO and Nürburgring test center director along with a pair of European automotive journalists, joining the previously-seen green car (Zig) driven by one of Aston's top engineers, a pair of experienced race car drivers and another British fourth-estatesman. Both can be seen in the video after the jump.

We're not clear on where that leaves the rather more attractive white and red livery depicted in the high-resolution photographs, then, but that shouldn't stop you from checking it out in the gallery, along with the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Aston Martin V12 Zagato returns for ultimate showdown at the Nürburgring [w/video]

Aston Martin V12 Zagato returns for ultimate showdown at the Nürburgring [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:31:00 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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Aston Martin V12 Zagato hits the racetrack for the first time

Noah Joseph — Mon, 30 May 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Aston Martin, Racing

It's the oldest journalism adage in the book. Dog bites man, not news. Man bites dog, now that's news. So what does this have to do with cars? We'll tell you.

Whereas most sports racers are converted for the purpose from existing, commercially available road cars, once in a while we see a car going the opposite way. Take the Lexus LFA, for example, which was first unveiled in concept form, then went racing at the Nürburgring, and only afterwards hit the market.

Now Aston Martin is following the same path with the V12 Zagato. The show car was first unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, and was fielded in the VLN race at the 'Ring this weekend - while the Indy 500 and Monaco Grand Prix were under way elsewhere - before the final street version is released.

How the V12 Zagato actually performed hardly matters, as this initial outing was strictly for developmental purposes. But we'll tell you anyway. It finished just five laps before it kicked the bucket. But that's alright, because other works entries from Gaydon fared better (including a second-in-class finish for one of the factory's V8 Vantages), and the Zagato racer will be back next month, in tandem, for a full-on assault. We'll be watching.

Unfortunately Aston Martin has yet to release any high-res photos of the Zagato doing its thing, but we'll keep an eye out and update you if and when it does. In the meantime you can follow the jump for the official factory release and check out the existing images in the gallery below.

Continue reading Aston Martin V12 Zagato hits the racetrack for the first time

Aston Martin V12 Zagato hits the racetrack for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 May 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot EX1 sets fastest electric car lap at the 'Ring

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 01 May 2011 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot, Electric

2010 Peugeot EX1 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Peugeot EX1 has whirred its way into the record books by lapping the 12-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife with a 9:01.338-minute run. According to Peugeot, that shatters the previous electric vehicle record at the track by an impressive 50 seconds.

The fully-electric Pug, which debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, averaged 85 mph on its record-setting run. Peugeot has promised to release photos and video of the EX1 at the Nordschleife, but for now we'll have to wait.

The lightweight, four-wheel drive EX1 was created to celebrate Peugeot's 200th birthday, and packs a pair of electric motors (one on each axle) totaling 340 horsepower. As for production, don't hold your breath, though the technologies on display in the EX1 and lessons learned during its development will likely influence future models.

Gallery: Peugeot EX1 concept

[Source: World Car Fans]

Peugeot EX1 sets fastest electric car lap at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 May 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1 Series M Coupe reportedly faster 'round the Ring than E46 M3, E60 M5

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:52:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

With 335 horsepower underhood and a 0-60 time pegged at 4.7 seconds, there's no doubt that BMW's hot new 1 Series M Coupe is a sprightly little monster. But just how fast is it? For that we'll want to look at its Nürburgring lap times for some guidance.

As with any performance Bimmer, the 1 Series M Coupe underwent much of its development and fine-tuning on the Norschleife, and sources indicate an impressive lap time of 8:12. That the current E92-generation M3, with its high-revving V8 engine and 8:05 lap time, makes better time around the Nordschleife than the 1 Series M Coupe should come as no surprise - Despite being smaller and lighter, BMW wouldn't have allowed the 1 M to overtake its costlier brother.

What's more indicative, however, is that - on the more level six-pot playing field - the 1 Series M Coupe is reportedly quicker around the 'Ring than the previous-generation M3's 8:22 lap time. (The track-focused CSL version is significantly swifter at 7:50, its successor the M3 GTS that much more so at 7:48, but with more hardcore versions of the 1 Series M Coupe potentially in the pipeline, all bets are off.)

The new 1 Series M Coupe is also apparently quicker around the Ring than the outgoing M5 - that supercar of four-door sedans - with its award-winning V10 engine, proving that agility will pip power on anything but a straight line any day.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

[Source: BimmerFile]

BMW 1 Series M Coupe reportedly faster 'round the Ring than E46 M3, E60 M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Unscripted presents: Sabine Schmitz "Queen of the Nürburgring" video

Chris Shunk — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, BMW

Click above to watch the video after the jump

When we think of the best jobs on earth, professions like Formula 1 driver come to mind. Taxi driver doesn't usually come to mind for most, but hot-footed Sabine Schmitz drives a different kind of cab. The speed-loving young lady drives a BMW M5 around the Nürburgring, and not just for fun - she gets paid to drive adrenaline junkies around the 'Ring at high speeds, and she's so good at what she does that she's earned the nickname "Queen of the Nürburgring." Schmitz's accomplishments don't end with her taxi job, either - she's also won 45 races at the Nordschleife, or 45 more races than any of us.

BMW featured Schmitz in it's Unscripted series, "a series about people, talking about their life, passion and joy with the brand BMW." Hit the jump to watch Schmitz ply her trade on the world's most famous track, and try not to get jealous of one of the world's best jobs. Her office does, after all, take the size and shape of a BMW M5, and that certainly can't suck.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading BMW Unscripted presents: Sabine Schmitz "Queen of the Nürburgring" video

BMW Unscripted presents: Sabine Schmitz "Queen of the Nürburgring" video originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Cadillac brings us behind the scenes of CTS-V Competition commercial

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Cadillac, Luxury

Behind Cadillac's "The Competition" commercial for the CTS-V - Click above to watch video after the jump

Once upon a time - May 9, 2008 to be precise - the Cadillac CTS-V ran the 'Ring in 7:59.32, and just five days later we had video proof of the event. Now that over two years have passed, the feat will leave the geek-o-riffic world of 'Ring time watchers and be shared with the rest of America in a commercial called The Competition.

What that commercial will say or how it will be used to promote this particular bit of rather old and arcane news is to be determined, but we do know what's behind the scenes. If you want to find out, you'll hop on after the jump and check out the three-minute vid with director Jeff Zwart. Yes, that Jeff Zwart...

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Cadillac brings us behind the scenes of CTS-V Competition commercial

Video: Cadillac brings us behind the scenes of CTS-V Competition commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche 918 Spyder to contest 2011 Nürburgring 24

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Hybrid, Europe, Porsche, Racing

Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche made an impressive showing at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year with its 911 GT3 R Hybrid. But don't think for even one power-boosted second that its hybrid initiative was a one-time affair for the Stuttgart-based automaker. Not, at least, if the latest reports from Germany prove accurate.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, mere days after the conclusion of this year's race, Porsche is already preparing to campaign a competition-spec version of the 918 Spyder at the Ring next year. The 918 Spyder concept debuted just a few months ago at the Geneva Motor Show to rave reviews. Derived from the same program that gave birth to the 917, 911 GT1 and RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder packs 718 horsepower of combined output, 90 miles per gallon and a simulated Nordschleife lap time of 7:30, making it an ideal machine to contest the grueling endurance race. We'll just have to wait a year to find out whether it lives up to its promise or falls victim to arch-rival BMW.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport (translated)]

Report: Porsche 918 Spyder to contest 2011 Nürburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Race-spec Mini E laps Nürburgring

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Mini, Electric

Mini E Race - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 13-mile long Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of the most treacherous race tracks in the world, even on the best of days. Taking it on in the fog seems like a recipe for disaster. Nonetheless, that's exactly what a BMW engineering team did recently with a very special edition of the Mini E. The team took one of the battery-powered Mini models and applies some weight reduction measures to the body and then installed the usual array of racing bits. The latter included new tires, brakes and a roll-cage.

The electric powertrain underwent some recalibration, likely to tone down the overly aggressive regenerative braking before ex-DTM race driver Thomas Jäger took to the 'Ring. Jäger managed to set a reasonably respectable lap time of 9 minutes, 51.45 seconds with a maximum speed of 116.2 miles per hour. No word from BMW on how much juice remained in the battery at the end of the lap. Check out a highlight real of the lap after the jump.

Gallery: Mini E Race

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: Race-spec Mini E laps Nürburgring

Video: Race-spec Mini E laps Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin to field near-stock Rapide at Nürburgring 24

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Europe, Aston Martin, Racing

Aston Martin Rapide Nürburgring racer - Click above for high-res image

Round-the-clock endurance races typically demand the participation of three or even four-man teams, taking shifts as the sun rises and falls on the circuit. The car they're driving, though, doesn't usually have the capacity to carry the entire team. But as if to emphasize once again the true sporting nature of its latest product, Aston Martin will be taking on the competition this year at the Nürburgring 24 in a damn-near-bone-stock Rapide.

In addition to its innumerable victories in Le Mans-class racing, Aston has had great success at the 'Ring in the SP8 category, which it has won the past two years running. In fact last year, a V12 Vantage took the class win and placed 21st overall in the race, outshining a wide array of dedicated race machinery.

Like the V12 Vantage (which will also run this year's event) the Rapide endurance racer will run with very few modifications, limited largely to the removal of interior trim, the addition of some mandatory safety equipment, and racing slicks mounted to a readjusted suspension. That's about it. Aston chief Dr. Ulrich Bez will once again lead the team of factory drivers, and we'll be watching on May 15-16 to see if the four-door can make it three-for-three. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide

Gallery: Aston Martin V12 Vantage at the Ring

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin to field near-stock Rapide at Nürburgring 24

Aston Martin to field near-stock Rapide at Nürburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Running the 'Ring in reverse in a VTEC'd Mini

Chris Shunk — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Mini

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Nurburgring is the gold standard for any track not comprised of a banked oval, and it's a blast to watch dashboard-mounted video of various vehicles taking on the best the Nordschleife has to offer. We typically share with you videos of ZR-1s and GT-Rs, but this time we have something a bit different. Achim Korden and co-pilot Guido Heindl of ringmini.de fame run the 'Ring in reverse in an old school Mini (1971 Clubman Estate) equipped with a 1.6-liter Honda drivetrain, and they mean business.

Hit the jump to watch the little Mini battle a rain-soaked Nordschleife while starting at the end and making their way to the beginning. It's an odd experience and further proof that you don't need to have big power to have big fun.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Running the 'Ring in reverse in a VTEC'd Mini

Video: Running the 'Ring in reverse in a VTEC'd Mini originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW resurrecting the M3 CSL?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, BMW

We're not sure what to believe anymore. A bit over a year ago, reports surfaced that BMW was planning a successor to the E90-generation M3 CSL, a highly coveted, track-focused version of its legendary sports coupe. Within a month, the Bavarian automaker had announced that it was canceling the program. And then these photos show up.

This M3 test mule was seen lapping the Nürburgring with a host of modifications and little in the way of camouflage. Knowing full well that the Nordschleife is swarming with more papparazi than Lindsay Lohan's front lawn, the Bavarians had to know we'd start asking questions. The car in question appears to be sporting a big front splitter, giant rear wing, a wider track housing bigger wheels and semi-slick tires. Underneath, reports suggest the 4.0-liter V8 benefits from new valves and a carbon-fiber airbox to deliver some 470 horsepower.

Call it an M3 CSL or a roadgoing M3 GT4, but with Audi's upcoming RS5 just around the corner, the smart money's on BMW putting up a fight of some kind.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: BMW resurrecting the M3 CSL? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Improvements to 2010 Porsche 997 Turbo slash ten seconds from 'Ring time

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Nissan, Porsche

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its new-for-2010 direct-injected, 3.8-liter turbocharged flat-six, the upgraded 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo has fired a shot across the bow of the world's supercar armada. Promising better performance, better fuel economy and better emissions, this tweaked 997 should hold the fort until the 998 appears in a couple of years.

With 20 extra horsepower motivating the lightened (by 55 pounds) all-wheel drive coupe, it should be noticeably quicker than its 2009 counterpart. How much quicker? Autocar is reporting that it's a full ten seconds faster around the Nurburgring Nordschleife than a 2009 Porsche 911 Turbo. That means the new Turbo just breaks into the 7:30s at 7m 39sec.

That still puts it behind the rival Nissan GT-R at 7:28 after former Formula One driver, Toshio Suzuki, went out and shaved more than a second off the car's previous best. Of course, Porsche still has a possible Turbo S model in the works and already produces a wicked 911 GT3 RS that can probably close the official gap between them and Godzilla.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

[Source: Autocar]

Improvements to 2010 Porsche 997 Turbo slash ten seconds from 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin' der Nürburg

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Subaru, Toyota

Toyobaru testing on the 'Ring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's FT-86 concept, which will be officially unveiled at next week's Tokyo Motor Show, combines attractive, aggressive aesthetics, rear-wheel drive and a Subaru-sourced boxer engine with the hopes of injecting a bit of passion into the Japanese automaker's admittedly sterile lineup. And since the vehicle has reportedly been a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru all along, we've been anxiously awaiting the Subaru-branded coupe that is sure to follow.

Last week, we gave you an update regarding Subaru's progress with its half of the Toyobaru project, complete with a sketch-tastic rendering from the UK's Autocar. Fast forward to today, and although we can't be sure if this Nürburgring-circling, cobbled-together prototype is a Subaru effort or a Toyota joint, it appears to be a development of the FT-86 that we know is headed for production.

As shot here by our friends at KGP Photography, the little coupe is well disguised, but it looks like a Fuji Heavy project to us, as it shares some Subaru design hallmarks. Up front, the masked prototype takes on the basic shape of the WRX, with bold, bulging curves and a snub nose. There is no trademark Subaru hood scoop, but the big hood has a very aggressive appearance. Out back, the car's rump is also Impreza hatch-like, with a massive rear wing disguised by some heavy camo. It isn't at all clear that what's seen here is in any way, shape or form production bodywork, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the Scooby crew adopt a chunkier aesthetic than their compatriots at Toyota.

The basic layout of the vehicle also appears to favor motivation via the rear wheels, as the 2+2 cabin is pushed back over the rear axle. The Subaru will likely sport the same direct injection 2.0-liter boxer engine currently sitting under the hood of the Toyota concept. If the little boxer can indeed produce nearly 200 horsepower as has been rumored, we're thinking it will be solid punch for the Subaru, as the Toyota FT-86 is nearly a foot shorter than an Impreza and the spy photos show what appears to be a very small form factor. Add turbocharging down the line and we suspect you've got a tuner's delight capable of taking on the big boys.

Word on the street is that Subaru isn't quite sold on the idea of the Toyota-designed rear-wheel drive platform, which may or may not be able to accommodate Subaru's signature all-wheel drive setup. We're not sure that theory makes much sense if the two are collaborating on concept versions of the vehicle, and it would be difficult to understand how Subaru could enter such an agreement without first knowing whether it could add its trademark drivetrain, but we've heard this word ourselves from Subie folks as well, so perhaps Toyota is throwing some of its weight around.

Check out the high-res gallery below and our spy shooter's thoughts after the jump.

Gallery: Toyobaru Testing on the 'Ring

[Source: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin' der Nürburg

Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin' der Nürburg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A back on 'Ring wearing white

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Lexus

Looks like the Lexus LF-A (LF-L?) might be closer to production than we had thought. The gang at NextAutos just posted spy pics of a very production-ready-looking white LF-A doing some more hotlapping at the Nordschleife.

Although this ages-in-the-making supercar has been trotted out at several auto shows and twice been raced in the 24 hour endurance race 'round the 'Ring, it wasn't until recently that Toyota President Akio Toyoda confirmed it for production and even stated that it will be sold in the good ole U.S. of A.

Rumors have suggested that the car might go on sale in the UK as early as October with a price tag around £250,000. At that price we might have to settle for piloting this 550-hp, V10 beast virtually in Need for Speed SHIFT. Until then, click over to NextAutos.com for a full gallery.

[Source: NextAutos.com]

Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A back on 'Ring wearing white originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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