Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Lexus may offer decontented, track-focused LFA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/lexus-lfa-track-focused-stripped/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/lexus-lfa-track-focused-stripped/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/lexus-lfa-track-focused-stripped/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We're still trying to wrap our heads around yesterday's drive of the Lexus LFA, but before we give up the goods on Toyota's first V10-powered hypercar (check back on Monday), we cornered Paul Williamsen, the National Manager of Lexus College, about ToMoCo's plans to offer a harder, track-focused LFA.

In the last few years of development, Lexus considered building several more LFAs to be used in a one-make spec series to pit wealthy privateers against each other, further accentuating the LFA's extensive motorsport involvement. That plan fell by the wayside when Toyota decided to limit production to just 500 units.

However, Lexus is actively considering offering owners the option to purchase a decontented LFA, stripped of its luxurious, tech-laden interior and fitted with more track oriented features to be used as a weekend racer. A final decision hasn't been made yet, but Williamsen was clear that these hardened LFAs would have to be created out of the current allocation, as Lexus is intent on keeping production to a "hard" 500 units. Considering that nearly all the components fitted to the LFA were derived from prototypes that ran at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring and other events (the suspension remains adjustable for corner balancing and nearly all the components on the race cars were serialed production pieces), it wouldn't take much to turn the LFA into a tried-and-true racer with a few thoughtful, minimal mods.

Lexus may offer decontented, track-focused LFA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 lexus lf-a2011 lexus lfa2011LexusLf-a2011LexusLfacarlexuslexus lfalexus lfa race carlexus lfa track carLexusLfaLexusLfaRaceCarLexusLfaTrackCarlfarace carRaceCartrackFri, 23 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: World Touring Car Championship eyeing race in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/world-touring-car-championship-eyeing-race-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/world-touring-car-championship-eyeing-race-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/world-touring-car-championship-eyeing-race-in-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chevrolet Cruze WTCC - Click above image for high-res gallery

Marcello Lotti, series promoter for the FIA World Touring Car Championship, told Autosport that he wants to bring the event to the United States in 2011. Inaugurated in 1987, the series was originally based in Europe. In 2009, the racing expanded to Brazil, Japan, and Mexico and continues to grow. Current rules limit engine size to 2000 cc, but that hasn't slowed automakers such as SEAT, BMW, or Chevrolet from rounding out the top 3 in Manufacturer's Championship points right now.

A race in the States would attract new manufacturers (Ford is expected to enter its new Focus model). The two most likely venues for the race would be Laguna Seca and the road course at Homestead-Miami Speedway... the favorite right now. "Our preference is for a race in the south of the country because that's where the market is for smaller cars," Lotti told Autosport. Thanks for the tip Marty!


Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze at Marrakech WTCC


[Source: Autosport.com]

REPORT: World Touring Car Championship eyeing race in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChampionshipChevrolet CruzeChevroletCruzeHomestead-Miami SpeedwayHomestead-miamiSpeedwaylaguna secaLaguna Seca RacewayLagunaSecaLagunaSecaRacewayRace CarRaceCarRacesTouring CarTouringCarUnited StatesUnitedStatesVenuesWorld Touring Car ChampionshipWorldTouringCarChampionshipWTCCSat, 10 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche unveils its latest GT3 RSR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/22/porsche-unveils-its-latest-gt3-rsr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/22/porsche-unveils-its-latest-gt3-rsr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/22/porsche-unveils-its-latest-gt3-rsr/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche GT3 RSR

Porsche has unveiled the latest iteration of its GT2-class racing car, the GT3 RSR. Visually, the biggest difference for '09 is up front, where a substantially louvered hood now resides. It's there because the car's radiator ductwork has been redesigned so as to accommodate the racer's optional A/C system. Other changes are hidden, but no less important. Aero tweaks include a rear wing angle that's more adjustable than on last year's car. The brakes and wiring harness contribute to lighter weight, and inside the pilot gets a new multifunction display. There's also a revised supply system that allows for an infinitely adjustable blink rate for the front lights. That makes for easy nighttime identification when the car pits. The oil filler has been relocated for easier access, and the GT3 RSR is equipped with a new air jack, as well.

That's all well and good, but what about the power? Displacement for the rear-mounted six-cylinder jumps from 3.8 to 4.0 liters, and it now pumps out 450 horsepower at 7,800 rpm. (Last year it produced 465 hp @ 8,000 rpm) Torque is rated at 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) at 7,250 rpm - the same as last year. The rev limiter kicks in at 9K, and Porsche says that the new car's torque curve is better-optimized than the outgoing car's. The new RSR ought to become a common sight in the Le Mans series on both sides of the Atlantic, as Porsche resumes its annual battle with Ferrari in sports car racing. Want one? Give Porsche €380,000 - roughly $494,000 USD (plus the appropriate VAT) and you're good to go. Tech specs are pasted after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Porsche GT3 RSR


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche unveils its latest GT3 RSR

Porsche unveils its latest GT3 RSR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009911gt2 classGt2Classgt3 rsrGt3Rsrporscherace carRaceCarracing carRacingCarThu, 22 Jan 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Vintage Racecar Collection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/ebay-find-of-the-day-vintage-racecar-collection/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/ebay-find-of-the-day-vintage-racecar-collection/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/ebay-find-of-the-day-vintage-racecar-collection/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Of course we're checking the couch in the editors lounge for spare change, it's only natural when an impeccable collection of vintage race cars goes on the block. We've found 63 cents so far; if we can avoid the siren song of a Milky Way when we fuel up, we're well on our way to the $855,000 price for this package deal. Chuck Fausel is retiring, and his impressive stable of vintage racers is up for sale, either individually or as a collection. The newest car is a NASCAR veteran from the 1990s, and the oldest is a 1920 Model T fitted with a Rajo overhead valve conversion. The provenance and history of the cars is fascinating and genuine, unlike some of the other schlock you see on eBay. We'd gas 'em up and go off to shred some tires, but you could also build a viewing hall around them and charge admission.

Gallery: Vintage Race Car Collection


[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Vintage Racecar Collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car collectionCarCollectionchuck fauselChuckFauselrace carrace carsrace cars for saleRaceCarRaceCarsRaceCarsForSalevintage race carvintage racervintage racersvintage racingVintageRaceCarVintageRacerVintageRacersVintageRacingSat, 03 Jan 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Anatomy of a race driver proves hardcore required]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/anatomy-of-a-race-driver-proves-hardcore-required/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/anatomy-of-a-race-driver-proves-hardcore-required/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/anatomy-of-a-race-driver-proves-hardcore-required/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Yes, racing is a sport, even NASCAR. Talented people always make difficult things look easy, but wrestling a vehicle traveling well in excess of one-hundred miles an hour would beat down most mortals in short order. Wired has put up an informative rollover-fest that gives credence to the idea that while us auto writers might be the walking embodiment of a Boston Creme donut, professional racers don't share our gooey center. Driving race cars to win takes dedication on many levels -- time and money are biggies -- and success is unlikely if the mind and body are not as finely tuned as the chassis.

To capture the checkered flag, drivers toil in an environment that's hot and loud, and controls require strong, sure inputs. This ain't your two-finger cruise up the interstate in air-conditioned pleasantness. A regimen of weight training is necessary for the physical performance, while we really like the fact that gaming helps train the eyes and brain to process high speeds. What we don't like is that crunches are apparently necessary. How are we going to be taken seriously in a room full of auto journos if we're all trim and good-drivery? Thanks for all the tips!

[Source: Wired]

Anatomy of a race driver proves hardcore required originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 May 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anatomy of a racerAnatomyOfARacerauto racingAutoRacingmotorsportsrace carrace driverRaceCarRaceDriverracing anatomyRacingAnatomywiredwired magazinewired racingwired scienceWiredMagazineWiredRacingWiredScienceThu, 01 May 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lightweight Ginetta G50 brags of 300hp Ford V6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/25/lightweight-ginetta-g50-brags-of-300hp-ford-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/25/lightweight-ginetta-g50-brags-of-300hp-ford-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/25/lightweight-ginetta-g50-brags-of-300hp-ford-v6/#commentsFiled under: , ,




You might not be familiar with British car builder Ginetta, but it's been around since 1958. The latest offering is the G50, a wide, low-slung, lightweight coupe the company plans to build a cup race around. With only 800kg (1,750 pounds) to push around, the mid-mounted, 300hp, 3.5 liter Ford V6 should make this one sexy-fast ride.

In 2005, Ginetta was bought by LNT Automotive, run by veteran racer Lawrence Tomlinson. He says the first 30 real versions of the virtual renderings you see here are already in production and should be ready for sale in early 2008.

Tomlinson said the first 30 G50s are a good mix of "cup, road and GT4 cars." The company's press release (read it in full after the jump) promises the cup series will be set up to keep costs down with 10 race weekends, a "substantial prize fund" and guaranteed TV coverage. "We've designed the G50 as a stepping stone for GT drivers," Tomlinson said.

Projected cost for the G50 is around £35,000. But don't get too excited. Although we have no official word, there's no reason to think you'll be able to buy one in the States.

[Source: Ginetta via Carscoop]

Gallery: Ginetta G50

Continue reading Lightweight Ginetta G50 brags of 300hp Ford V6

Lightweight Ginetta G50 brags of 300hp Ford V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>g50 cupG50Cupginettaginetta g50ginetta g50 cupginetta race carginetta race carsginetta racingGinettaG50GinettaG50CupGinettaRaceCarGinettaRaceCarsGinettaRacinglarence tomlinsonLarenceTomlinsonlawrence tomlinson ginettaLawrenceTomlinsonGinettaLNT AutomotiveLNT Automotive ginettaLNT Automotive lawrence tomlinsonLNT Automotive racingLntAutomotiveLntAutomotiveGinettaLntAutomotiveLawrenceTomlinsonLntAutomotiveRacingnew ginettaNewGinettarace carrace carsRaceCarRaceCarsracingFri, 25 May 2007 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Racing V8s at Queensland Raceway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/25/racing-v8s-at-queensland-raceway/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/25/racing-v8s-at-queensland-raceway/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/25/racing-v8s-at-queensland-raceway/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image for a gallery of high-res images of the V8 race cars at the Queensland Raceway.

Recently, I was lucky enough to take a spin around the Queensland Raceway in a V8 race car courtesy of a Christmas present from my lovely wife. The Queensland Raceway is west of Brisbane and hosts a number of high profile events during the year, including Round Seven of the V8 Supercar Championship, Champ Car Racing and drift competitions. For me though, it was all about the V8 Race Experience, where you get suited up and jump behind the wheel of a V8 race car for either five or eight laps of the circuit. Let me just say at the outset that I've never driven a car on a race track before, so the nerves were peaking from the moment I started the drive out to the track.

Upon arrival and after all the usual paperwork was out of the way, the head instructor took us through a tutorial to teach us some of the basics of driving a race car on a race track:
  • First of all, it's nothing like driving a street car on the road
  • You have to follow the racing line, which involves using the entire expanse of the road
  • Different types of corners require different strategies to wring the most speed out of them
  • Accelerate out of the apex of the corner
  • You brake not only to reduce speed but also to shift the weight of the vehicle from the back of the car to the front of the car, and importantly, over the front wheels
  • Brake 10 percent to start shifting the weight then 100 percent to really slow down the car before a tight corner
  • On this track in these cars you only use third and fourth gear
  • Hold the accelerator flat to get the highest speed on the straight
Continue reading after the jump.

Continue reading Racing V8s at Queensland Raceway

Racing V8s at Queensland Raceway originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Mar 2007 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Only in Vegas. Madame Tussaud's unveiled their latest ghastly likenesses; we're not sure if the fact that the subjects are still alive makes it more creepy. The work is uncanny in its accuracy and lifelike look, and if you're in Vegas, Tussaud's is a veritable family attraction. The reason for the paraffin-ization of the left-turning legends was the kickoff of this weekend's races at Las Vegas's own Motor Speedway. The flesh and blood Petty and Earnhardt were on hand for the debut of their inanimate doppelgangers at the Neon Garage, though we're not sure if they'll be paying any visits to the exhibit's permanent home at the Venetian. They could roam the exhibit halls and catch glimpses of such luminaries as John Holmes (we're not sure if it's all of "Wad," or a partial model) Siegfried and Roy (before or after the mauling, again, not sure), and of course Fat Elvis. Good times, good times. Now, where's that buffet...

[Source: TCC]

Petty and Earnhardt get wax treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dale earnhardtdale earnhardt jrDaleEarnhardtDaleEarnhardtJrdriversearnhardtlas vegaslas vegas motor speedwayLasVegasLasVegasMotorSpeedwaylegendsnascarpettyrace carRaceCarracingrichard pettyRichardPettystock carStockCarvegaswax museumWaxMuseumMon, 12 Mar 2007 09:54:00 EST<![CDATA[AUCTION ACTION: The most expensive car ever? Hitler's Auto Union on the auction block]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/02/auction-action-the-most-expensive-car-ever-hitlers-auto-uni/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/02/auction-action-the-most-expensive-car-ever-hitlers-auto-uni/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/02/auction-action-the-most-expensive-car-ever-hitlers-auto-uni/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



One of two remaining Auto Union D-Types is scheduled to be sold in Paris by Christie's this coming February. The shiny silver streamliners were commisioned by Adolf Hitler to showcase the technological superiority of the Reich. Even now, they're impressive and cleverly engineered using a mid-engine layout with fully independent suspensions and supercharged engines. Considering that these cars were designed and built in the 1930s, they're absolutely insane. Uber designer Ferdinand Porsche developed the Auto Union racers and they showcase some common Porsche touches, like swing axle rear suspensions and torsion bars. Piloted by drivers like Hans Stuck and Tazio Nuvolari, the big streamliners racked up many victories in various hill-climb and Grand Prix competitions. Nearly all D-Types were casualties of World War II. This 1939 racer was discovered disassembled in Russia, where it had been taken for reverse-engineering. It was reassembled and is expected to top the current most expensive car record-holder, an 1$11 million Bugatti.

[Source: Ananova.com]

AUCTION ACTION: The most expensive car ever? Hitler's Auto Union on the auction block originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Dec 2006 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Auto-UnionD-TypeHans StuckHansStuckHitlerNazi eraNaziEraNuvolarirace carRaceCarTazio NuvolariTazioNuvolariWorld War IIWorld-War-IIWorldWarIiSat, 02 Dec 2006 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford wants a female to win a NASCAR race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/13/ford-wants-a-female-to-win-a-nascar-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/13/ford-wants-a-female-to-win-a-nascar-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/13/ford-wants-a-female-to-win-a-nascar-race/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Motor Company has decided it would like to see more women driving race cars, so it's doing something about it. The Blue Oval has begun the Ford Female Driver Development Program, which currently counts 18-year-old Stephanie Mockler (shown) and 17-year-old Alison MacLeod as participants. Ford's ultimate goal is to these young ladies progress into more competitive series and someday win the Holy Grail of racing for female drivers in the U.S. - a NASCAR Nextel Cup race. Can you believe it hasn't happened yet?

More and more women are joining the ranks of racing, as this Wikipedia page that hosts 47 names attest to, but it hasn't been fast nor easy for any one of them. Just like Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, these females have had to work extremely hard to crossover from fan to female racer and owe a lot those who went before them like Janet Guthrie, Shirley Muldowney and Lyn St. James, among others.

While Danica Patrick is every racing fan's favorite femme fatale at the moment, we're fairly certain she won't be the only lady in pit row for long. There is, however, a slim chance that she might be the first female to win a NASCAR race.

(For Ford's press release on its new program, follow the jump)

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford wants a female to win a NASCAR race

Ford wants a female to win a NASCAR race originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>femalefemale racerFemaleRacerrace carrace car driverRaceCarRaceCarDriverracerracingThu, 13 Jul 2006 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Le Mans prototypes to get a roof]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/17/le-mans-prototypes-to-get-a-roof/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/17/le-mans-prototypes-to-get-a-roof/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/17/le-mans-prototypes-to-get-a-roof/#commentsFiled under:



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

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

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

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

[Source: SpeedTV.com  Photo courtesy Bentley]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of Le Mans24HoursOfLeMansAutomobile Club d'QestAutomobileClubD'qestLe MansLeMansLMP1prototyperace carRaceCarracerracingSat, 17 Jun 2006 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche unveils 911 GT3 RS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/29/porsche-unveils-911-gt3-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/29/porsche-unveils-911-gt3-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/29/porsche-unveils-911-gt3-rs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Porsche 911 GT3 just not hot enough for ya? With the demise of the GT Carrera, it might be of interest to Porschephiles that the automaker has unveiled an even hotter version of the 977-based GT3 dubbed... wait for it... the 911 GT3 RS. Well, for the European market, at least... something that we're not happy about over on this side of the Pond. Porsche likes to think of it as its purest street-legal race car out there, but we think of it as BADASS, with its exclusive close-ratio six-speed transmission and weight savings of 44 lbs. The less-is-more dictum sees the GT3's naturally-aspirated 3.6L six-cylinder pounce on 60 mph in 4.2 seconds from a dead stop. It might be street legal on the outside, but on the inside, it's all race car -- roll cage, racing harness for the driver, fire extinguisher, and alacantra-clad racing seats.

The new RS will be available in four colors -- Black, Silver, Orange or Green, sporting either black or orange wheels depending on the exterior. Check out the company's new microsite for the hot-shoe here.

We've got dibs.

[Source: Porsche, via NoonzWheels and GermanCarBlog]

 

Porsche unveils 911 GT3 RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 May 2006 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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