Autoblog

Schumacher to drive Mercedes F1 car on Nürburgring Nordschleife

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:31:00 EST

In advance of this year's 24 Hours of Nürburgring race, and as a "thank you" to German motorsports fans, Mercedes-Benz has arranged quite the driving demonstration at the legendary German track. Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will pilot a the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 W02 - the team's 2011 F1 car that carried the Silver Arrow name - around the Nordschleife. As far as we know, this will be the first time that an F1 car will have lapped the North Loop since Nick Heidfeld drove a BMW Sauber car around it in 2007.

This will be far from Schumacher's first go with the Nürburgring: In 2011 he drove a classic Silver Arrow Stromlinie W196 (pictured above) for a demo lap around the Grand Prix track, and in 2007 he infamously punted a Ferrari prototype on the Nordschleife.

There's no word from Mercedes as to how exactly Schumacher will drive for his 'Ring run this time. Heidfeld's lap was slowed massively by his car wearing hard, demonstration tires and for slow-downs to film the event. We have every expectation that Schumi will be subject to the same demands of safety and public relations.

Of course, having the all-time fastest lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in your CV is something that we'd guess might tempt the über-competitive driver, and he'll certainly have the car to make that happen. Stefan Bellof holds the record for the fastest-ever lap of the 'Ring in its current configuration and length, with a time of 6:25.91 in 1983, at the wheel of a Porsche 956. (Niki Luada has the record at the original length, with a lap of 6:58.6 in 1975, in a Ferrari 312T.) Pundits analyzed the fast bits of Heidfeld's 2007 run, and figured his full-pace time, on admittedly unsticky tires, would have clocked in at around 6:12.

Again, we're not suggesting that Schumacher will have the green light to drive at full speed, but it does sound as though the now one-year retired driver is amped for the opportunity. Said Schumacher, "Posting a lap in a modern Silver Arrow on the most beautiful and most testing circuit in the world, what a brilliant mix - it's every motor racing driver's dream!" We'll keep our fingers crossed on May 19, and hope that the lap is a hot one.

Continue reading Schumacher to drive Mercedes F1 car on Nürburgring Nordschleife

Schumacher to drive Mercedes F1 car on Nürburgring Nordschleife originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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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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Kawasaki ZX-10R lapping Nürburgring in 7m 50s is scary awesome

Zach Bowman — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Motorcycle

By now, we've all grown a little callous to watching high-strung supercars prance their way around the Nürburgring. Nearly every manufacturer has taken it upon themselves to do battle with the infamous road course, and as a result, YouTube is choked with videos of physics-bending cars doing what they do best. It's a little rarer to get to see a motorcycle take on the torturous course. Bridgestone test rider Tim Röthig recently mounted a Kawasaki ZX-10R, strapped on a Gyrocam and proceeded to wring the life out of a pair of Battlax tires.

Watching Röthig coerce the big liter bike through one of the most challenging road courses on the planet is a hair-raising experience, even from the comfort of our keyboards. While his 7:50-second time falls well short of the current 7:14 record for production cars, the knowledge that even the smallest of mistakes could have introduced both bike and rider to the unforgiving guard rail in a hurry certainly earns Röthig a spot in the pantheon of impressive Nürburgring videos. Hit the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Kawasaki ZX-10R lapping Nürburgring in 7m 50s is scary awesome

Kawasaki ZX-10R lapping Nürburgring in 7m 50s is scary awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package smashes Nordschliefe production record with 7:14 lap

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:29:00 EST

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

The web is afire with news that Lexus has managed to demolish the standing production-car record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The news comes courtesy of EVO Magazine's own Chris Harris and Lexus itself via the miracle of Twitter. Lexus test driver Akira Iida reportedly managed to twist the LFA Nürburgring Edition around the infamous circuit in 7:14. If true, that time puts the carbon-fiber exotic four-seconds ahead of the previous production-car champion, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, at 7:18, and it puts the LFA Nürburgring Edition in the top five quickest vehicles to ever run the track.

Impressive.

We'll keep you posted with more information as Lexus releases details on the run. Here's hoping they had the video cameras rolling while they were out laying waste to the Green Hell.

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package smashes Nordschliefe production record with 7:14 lap originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:29:00 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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Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Nürburgring racer livery designed by intern

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Porsche, Design/Style, Racing

Porsche NA's intern-designed livery for the Porsche Carrera World Cup - Click above to view larger image

As an appetizer for the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Porsche put on the first Porsche Carrera World Cup. Although the race counted as a round in other international Carrera World Cup series', this is a race all its own: more than a hundred Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Racers sprinting six laps around the 15-mile North Loop.

The race entry, submitted by Porsche Cars North America wore a livery designed by one of its own interns: Anna Frey created the star-bedecked red, white and blue scheme driven by ALMS GTC racer Melanie Snow.

Although the Cup Racer saw a lot of rain-and-hail-filled action getting ready for the race, Snow's race didn't last long: a driver booted her off the track at Turn One, where she was then hit by another car, ending her race. Nevertheless, congratulations to Anna Frey on the livery and the entire PNCA team for the effort.

Continue reading Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Nürburgring racer livery designed by intern

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Nürburgring racer livery designed by intern originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 24 Hours of Nürburgring: Hour 18 update

Michael Harley — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Racing

2011 24 hours of Nürburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite gloomy skies and sporadic drizzle overnight, the weather has improved at the Nürburgring. While there has been plenty of (expected) carnage, no major incidents occurred other than an Audi R8 GT smashing a wall just past the Tiergarten corner a few hours into the race. The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, which was leading, had contact with another vehicle, destroying its gearbox. After dropping 103 positions, it has crawled back to 23rd overall (but is still down eleven laps).

Interesting factoid: The track is so big that we've heard reports of damaged race cars using public roads (fighting the traffic) to head back to their pits - cutting the distance to make it an effective shortcut.

With six hours left, a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is the overall leader, with a BMW M3 GT in second place and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 in third. The Audi in the lead image is in sixth. Current standings:

18 Lieb/Luhr/Bern/Duma 113 8:55.568
1 Mül/Farf/Alze/Lamy 113 9:05.144
32 Arno/Marg/Brü/Fran 112 9:04.302
15 Stip/Henn/Haas/Wink 112 9:03.756
14 Bass/Fäs/Picc/Stip 112 8:58.694
16 Ekst/Sche/Wern/Abt 111 9:09.3032
22 Heye/Jäg/Blee/Seyf 110 8:57.280
8 West/Menz/Stur/Rieg 110 9:03.508
4 Hart/Vieb/Coro/Hür 110 9:09.661
12 Weis/Kain/Jaco/Krum 110 11:52.511

2011 24 Hours of Nürburgring: Hour 18 update originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 08:31:00 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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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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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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Has the Ring Taxi been retired for good?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, BMW

If you've ever been to the Nürburgring, you'd have been wise to take a ride in the Ring Taxi. Operated by OK Speed Marketing on BMW's behalf, the Ring Taxi offers you the opportunity to fly around the vaunted Nordschleife in an M5 piloted by Sabine Schmitz or another from BMW's talent pool. Or "offered," we should say, as reports come in that the program may be drawing to a close.

Since the program's start in 1986, some 90,000 passengers have enjoyed the experience, clocking more than 400,000 miles over the course of over 300,000 hot laps. But with financial constraints apparently coming to bear, OK Speed Marketing is reportedly canceling the Ring Taxi program due to an apparent lack of profitability. Which is a shame, because from what we hear, the combination of Sabine, an M5 and the Ring added up to one heck of a wild ride.

Looking on the bright side, however, it appears that some unknown entity is looking to pick the idea of the Ring Taxi back up... though it wouldn't seem likely to keep the same name. We'll let you know what we hear.

[Source: Bridge to Gantry]

Has the Ring Taxi been retired for good? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:00:00 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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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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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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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: 2011 WRX STI sedan runs 'Ring in 7:55, quickest ever for Subaru

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Subaru, Specialty

2011 Subaru WRX STI sedan at the Nürburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quick: What's the fastest production sedan in the world? Does it wear a Mercedes-Benz, Audi or BMW badge? What about the Porsche Panamera Turbo or the Cadillac CTS-V? There's no doubt that each of these vehicular behemoths is capable of ripping off some fast times on a race track near you, but Subaru is out to prove that its new 2011 WRX STI sedan has the chops to keep pace with the best from the rest of the world.

To prove its point, Subaru recently sent test driver and four-time World Rally Champion Tommi Mäkinen out to the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife course in Germany with a 2011 STI test car. According to reports, the vehicle used in this testing was equipped with a few significant upgrades including a larger turbocharger that normally sees duty in the Japanese R205 model and some lightweight aluminum bits, but one thing is for certain: the 7:55 lap time is a mighty impressive result.

For those keeping track of such things, the previous best lap set by a Subaru WRX STI was in 2004 at 7:59.41 and the new mark set by Subaru - albeit with a prototype, not a production car - is quicker than any of the aforementioned competition. Best of all, there's a video of one entire lap around the 'Ring and you can find the in-car footage after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Subaru WRX STI at the Nurburgring

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Video: 2011 WRX STI sedan runs 'Ring in 7:55, quickest ever for Subaru

Video: 2011 WRX STI sedan runs 'Ring in 7:55, quickest ever for Subaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER]

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Racing

24 Hours of Nurburging - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 24 Hours of Nürburgring took place this weekend with an enormous starting field of over 200 cars. The enduro features a huge array of classes, including GT2, GT3 and touring cars, with everything from Honda Civics to Aston Martin Vantages and even a Porsche 911 GT3 hybrid battling through the Green Hell through the day and night. The race is run over a combined course of the legendary Nordschliefe and the modern Grand Prix circuit for a total of 15.8 miles, and with only 36 pits available, up to eight cars must share each pit, so plenty of coordination is needed. Read on after the jump to read what happened after the green flag fell.

Gallery: 2010 24 Hours of Nurburgring

Gallery: 24 Hours of Nurburgring: Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid

Continue reading Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER]

Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

BMW 1 Series M prototype on the 'Ring - Click above to watch the video after the break

The BMW 1 Series M is getting ever closer to production, and what appears to be a real production prototype has made its first appearance at the "Green Hell." The previously seen tacked-on rear fender flares of the previous mules have been discarded in favor of enhanced sheet metal. All of the metal from the side character line is covered in the standard-issue BMW swirly prototype wrap. Based on the new nose, this car has some serious air ingestion requirements as evidenced by the large openings below the bumper.

Within the wheels, the BMW engineers have wasted none of the available space, filling the fronts with as much brake hardware as could be squeezed in with only slightly less going into the back corners.

If the production car sounds like what we hear in the video after the jump, driving this 1 M/M1/135is/whatever will be a glorious audio experience. Tip of the hat to Luis!

[Source: 1addicts.com]

Continue reading Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring

Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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