Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BMW rolls out new M6 safety car for MotoGP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/bmw-rolls-out-new-m6-safety-car-for-motogp/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/bmw-rolls-out-new-m6-safety-car-for-motogp/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/bmw-rolls-out-new-m6-safety-car-for-motogp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW M6 MotoGP Safety Car

It takes a fast and agile car to keep pace with MotoGP racing bikes. Fortunately the BMW M division is up to the task, providing safety cars (or what we'd call pace cars on this side of the Atlantic) to the race organizers of the top-level motorcycle racing series.

The most recent vehicles to perform the duties have been the 1 Series M Coupe and the X6 M crossover, but now BMW is introducing a the new M6 coupe to the mix. It'll debut in safety car guise as pictured above at the Nürburgring this weekend.

While it's unclear whether any modifications have been made to the 552-horsepower twin-turbo V8, the M6 MotoGP safety car has been upgraded with new spoilers front and rear, special lighting equipment and BMW's traditional blue, blue and red striping on a white body. And if we were betting men, we'd put our money on some upgrades to the brakes, suspension and tires, too.

BMW rolls out new M6 safety car for MotoGP originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 May 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m6bmw m6 motogp safety carm6moto gpmotogppace carsafety carSat, 19 May 2012 18:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240302/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/19/bmw-rolls-out-new-m6-safety-car-for-motogp/20240302/article-detail.xml 20240302 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/m6-motogp-web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/m6-motogp-web.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series launched as DTM safety car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series-launched-as-dtm-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series-launched-as-dtm-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series-launched-as-dtm-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series DTM Safety Car

The latest hotted-up safety car for DTM is the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series. If we'd been in a racing accident, we're not sure we'd trust the men who stepped out of a car that's half steroids, half Satan, but after 12 years of providing the safety cars (along with Audi) for the German touring car series, we'll assume Mercedes-Benz knows what it's doing.

The most powerful C-Class ever will rush to the scene with 517 horsepower, an "aerodynamically optimised light bar" and other Christmas lights, AMG Track and Aero packages and an AMG-specific exhaust.

The safety car is more powerful than the 500-horsepower Mercedes actually racing in the series, so if it weren't for the extra weight it's carrying, it might even beat the other cars to the scene of the accident. You can read all about it after the jump and peep it in the high-res gallery of images.

Continue reading Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series launched as DTM safety car

Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series launched as DTM safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz c63 amg black seriesblack seriesc 63 amgc-classc-klassec63c63 amgc63 amg black seriesdtmmercedes-benzpace carsafety carThu, 26 Apr 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223649/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series-launched-as-dtm-safety-car/20223649/article-detail.xml 20223649 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/c63-amg-black-series-dtm-safety_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/c63-amg-black-series-dtm-safety.jpg <![CDATA[BMW hooks DTM up with new M3 safety car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW M3 DTM Safety Car

Choosing a safety car to pace a racing series is tricky business that almost invariably results in either a constant flux of vehicles called into duty or playing favorites between the manufacturers taking part in the series. NASCAR changes its pace cars about as quickly as it changes tires. Formula One sticks with Mercedes-Benz machinery, and nobody seems to complain very much. But DTM bridges the gap with a slightly different approach.

In the German touring car series, each of the participating automakers provides safety cars to the series organizers, which alternate between them from one race to another. That was simple enough when it was just Audi and Mercedes-Benz, but now that BMW has thrown its proverbial hat into the ring, DTM is putting a third car into the rotation. And this is our first look at it.

Revealed with a handful of crude snapshots on the BMW Motorsport fan page on Facebook, the BMW M3 DTM Safety Car looks closer to the standard, roadgoing M3 than the DTM racer, but with some extra modifications. Those include special wheels, an emergency light bar and a stripped-out cockpit with full roll cage and Recaro buckets. But there could be something special going on under the hood as well, where a bright orange engine cover lurks under a unique louvered hood. That could mean a more powerful version of the outgoing M3's high-revving V8 engine to help it stay out in front of all that racing machinery.

We'll have to wait for BMW to release additional information to find out, but for now you can check out the low-res images in the gallery above.

BMW hooks DTM up with new M3 safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m32012 bmw m3 dtm safety car3 seriesbmwbmw m3bmw m3 dtmbmw m3 dtm safety cardtmm3pace carsafety cartouring carMon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/20154032/article-detail.xml 20154032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/m3-dtm-safety-web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/m3-dtm-safety-web.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Police Interceptor vehicles pacing NASCAR races in Miami]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/ford-police-interceptor-vehicles-pacing-nascar-races-in-miami/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/ford-police-interceptor-vehicles-pacing-nascar-races-in-miami/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/ford-police-interceptor-vehicles-pacing-nascar-races-in-miami/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Police Interceptor pace cars

Oh, how far things have come. NASCAR, as you may have heard, traces its roots back to moonshiners trying to outrun police cars. Now it'll be the stock cars chasing after the police when NASCAR rounds out the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The vehicles in question are Ford's latest "purpose-built" Police Interceptors - the Taurus-based sedan and Explorer-based utility - which Dearborn rolled out last year to replace the old-school Crown Victoria-based squad cars patrolling America's highways and city streets. The pair have been selected, much to the anticipated delight of race-loving cops, to serve as the pace cars for the upcoming Ford Championship Weekend, where all three of NASCAR's major series - Camping World trucks, Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup - wrap up their seasons.

It's not the first time, of course, that Fords have been used as pace cars in NASCAR - far from it - but while the Focus, Explorer, Fusion Hybrid and Mustang GT have all taken their turn recently as what they'd call "safety cars" overseas, this is the first time in the many years of leading the field in law enforcement vehicles that Ford will use its cop cars for the task.

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptor vehicles pacing NASCAR races in Miami

Ford Police Interceptor vehicles pacing NASCAR races in Miami originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford championship weekford interceptorford police interceptorford police interceptor sedanford police interceptor utilityhomesteadhomestead-miami speedwayinterceptornascarpace carpolice interceptorsafety carWed, 09 Nov 2011 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20102088/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/09/ford-police-interceptor-vehicles-pacing-nascar-races-in-miami/20102088/article-detail.xml 20102088 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webfordpolicepacecar01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webfordpolicepacecar01.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Focus sets the pace for NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/ford-focus-sets-the-pace-for-nascar-race-at-michigan-internation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/ford-focus-sets-the-pace-for-nascar-race-at-michigan-internation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/ford-focus-sets-the-pace-for-nascar-race-at-michigan-internation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Ford Focus NASCAR pace car
2012 Ford Focus NASCAR pace car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Most pace cars (commonly known as safety cars overseas) are pretty fast road cars. F1 uses a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The American Le Mans Series, a Porsche Panamera. DTM alternates between an Audi R8 and a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. MotoGP uses BMW M vehicles. Indy has used a Chevy Camaro SS the last couple of years. Noticing a pattern here?

Of course, as is true in many other areas, NASCAR does things differently. While other racing disciplines pit the latest technologies against each other on challenging road courses, NASCAR still uses old-school pushrod V8s on big ol' speedways. So it should come as little surprise that the American stock-car racing series goes a different route with its pace cars, too.

This weekend's Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 (we don't name the races) at the Michigan International Speedway saw the Ford Focus make its debut appearance as the official pace car, complete with race livery and light bar but little in the way of other modifications over stock. Which means, as Ford is quick to point out, that while the stock cars behind it would have to pit a number of times over the 400-mile race distance, the Focus could go the whole way if it needed to... and if the driver - Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas - were milking the throttle, undaunted by the grid of rip-roarin' race cars filling his mirrors.

For what it's worth, the Focus is hardly the slowest vehicle to pace a NASCAR race. Ford alone has provided Fusion Hybrids and Explorer SUVs to set the pace at previous races as well. Follow the jump for the full press release, including information on Ford's latest online sweepstakes that will hand out 40 Foci to contest participants if it wins the NASCAR, NHRA or World Rally Championship titles this year.

Continue reading Ford Focus sets the pace for NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway

Ford Focus sets the pace for NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focusfordhelluva goodhelluva good sour cream dips 400michigan international speedwaynascarpace carsafety carMon, 20 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19970854/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/20/ford-focus-sets-the-pace-for-nascar-race-at-michigan-internation/19970854/article-detail.xml 19970854 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webfocusnascarpacecar02hr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webfocusnascarpacecar02hr.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz hooks DTM up with a new C63 AMG safety car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/29/mercedes-benz-hooks-dtm-up-with-a-new-c63-amg-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/29/mercedes-benz-hooks-dtm-up-with-a-new-c63-amg-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/29/mercedes-benz-hooks-dtm-up-with-a-new-c63-amg-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 DTM Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG safety car
2011 DTM Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG safety car - Click above for high-res image gallery

The DTM series and Mercedes-Benz have a long and beautiful history together. Particularly when it comes to the AMG-tuned C-Class. That's the car that the German automaker currently runs in the touring car series, and stands as the most successful in the series' history. Also, one of the most coveted models Mercedes AMG ever made was the CLK DTM. And now the latest C63 AMG will be setting the pace as the series' new safety car.

The safety car is essentially the same as the model you can order from your local showroom, complete with the AMG Performance Package, but has been outfitted with such features as flashing LEDs front, rear and top, Safety Car decals on every exterior surface and an interior fitted with a communications radio, TV monitor for watching the live race feed, a pair of bucket seats with four-point harnesses and a steering wheel covered in Nappa leather and Alcantara.

While this latest iteration will debut at Hockenheim this weekend, this isn't the first time that the C63 has been called into this particular line of duty. In fact Mercedes-AMG has provided pace cars to DTM every year since its relaunch in 2000, the C63 filling the role since 2008. But rather than replacing the R8 safety car, the Mercedes alternates with Audi from race to race. Which are the only two teams currently on the grid, leaving us to wonder what they'll do when BMW joins in next year.


Gallery: 2011 DTM Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG safety car


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz hooks DTM up with a new C63 AMG safety car

Mercedes-Benz hooks DTM up with a new C63 AMG safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c63c63 amgdtmmercedes-benzmercedes-benz c63 amgpace carsafety carFri, 29 Apr 2011 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19926396/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/29/mercedes-benz-hooks-dtm-up-with-a-new-c63-amg-safety-car/19926396/article-detail.xml 19926396 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-01-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-dtm-safety-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-01-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-dtm-safety-car.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/infiniti-goes-rallying-in-spain-with-g37-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/infiniti-goes-rallying-in-spain-with-g37-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/infiniti-goes-rallying-in-spain-with-g37-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Infiniti G37 Coupe S safety car
Infiniti G37 Coupe S safety car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti is no stranger to motorsports. The Japanese luxury marque supplied engines to the Indy Racing League in the late 90s, and recently launched a sponsorship deal with the World Champion Red Bull Racing team in Formula One (which runs sister-company Renault's engines). But rallying is new territory for the Nissan premium division.

Now before you let your imagination run wild, bear in mind that the G37 coupe you see here is not actually competing in any rally events. It is, however, being used as a safety car for the Spanish Rally Championship.

For the task, the G37 Coupe S dubbed "Work Car Zero" has been outfitted with roll-bar, dampers, brakes, bucket seats and harnesses, fire-suppression system, communications equipment and special lighting. Otherwise, it's pretty much bone stock (save for the garish paint scheme).

Follow the jump for all the details in the press release and scope out the images in the high-res gallery below for a closer look.


Gallery: Infiniti G37 Coupe S safety car


[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car

Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>g coupeg37g37 coupeinfinitiinfiniti ginfiniti g37pace carrallysafety carspanish rally championshipFri, 08 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19905755/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/08/infiniti-goes-rallying-in-spain-with-g37-safety-car/19905755/article-detail.xml 19905755 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-infiniti-003hires_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-infiniti-003hires.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche sets the pace in ALMS with Panamera, Cayenne support vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/27/porsche-sets-the-pace-in-alms-with-panamera-cayenne-support-veh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/27/porsche-sets-the-pace-in-alms-with-panamera-cayenne-support-veh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/27/porsche-sets-the-pace-in-alms-with-panamera-cayenne-support-veh/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Porsche Panamera Turbo ALMS safety car
Porsche Panamera Turbo ALMS safety car - Click above for high-res image gallery

At any of the myriad Le Mans series races around the world, you're guaranteed to see more than a proportional sampling of Porsches. Those are usually one manner of 911 GT3 or another; less so Panameras and Cayennes, but the latest additions to the American Le Mans Series paddock are exactly those.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo has been selected as the official safety car for ALMS, outfitting a stock model with a dome light and special paint scheme. It's joined in its duties by a set of Cayennes that will act as medics' emergency response vehicles, a task to which the Porsche SUV is already perfectly accustomed. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: Porsche ALMS support vehicles


[Source: Porsche via World Car Fans]

Porsche sets the pace in ALMS with Panamera, Cayenne support vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms safety caramerican le mans seriescayennepanameraporscheporsche cayenneporsche panamera turboPorsche Panamera Turbo ALMS safety carsafety carSun, 27 Mar 2011 11:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19887599/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/27/porsche-sets-the-pace-in-alms-with-panamera-cayenne-support-veh/19887599/article-detail.xml 19887599 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-panamera-alms_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-panamera-alms.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: BMW 1 M MotoGP safety car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/pics-aplenty-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/pics-aplenty-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/pics-aplenty-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

bmw 1 m motogp safety car
BMW 1 M MotoGP Safety Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

The new BMW 1 M is a sports coupe we've all been waiting for the Roundel-badged German automaker. Sure, it could be lighter or a little cheaper, but by all accounts, it has the driving-sensation meter bouncing off "Awesome." To tout its new performance machine, BMW has tarted one up in classic red, white and blue ///M livery, and turned it into a safety car for MotoGP.

This is more than just a paint job, however, as only the engine and transmission from the production car have been carried over. More weight has been shaved thanks to the use of carbon fiber and polycarbonate, while a titanium exhaust setup takes the place of the standard noisemaker. Out back, an adjustable rear wing sits on the trunk.

On the inside, the BMW 1 M Safety Car is fitted with a roll cage, a pair of racing buckets and a six-point harness. Underneath the skin, BMW has revamped the suspension and beefed up the brakes. The result is a truly track-ready 1 M that might just draw some attention away from the insane riders of the MotoGP series.


Gallery: BMW 1 M MotoGP Safety Car


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: BMW 1 M MotoGP safety car

Pics Aplenty: BMW 1 M MotoGP safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 m1 series1mbmwbmw 1 mbmw 1 series mmoto gpmotogpmotorcycle racingpace carsafety carFri, 18 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19884283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/18/pics-aplenty-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car/19884283/article-detail.xml 19884283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/018-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car-1300469080_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/018-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car-1300469080.jpg <![CDATA[First Live Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/first-live-shots-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-f1-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/first-live-shots-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-f1-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/first-live-shots-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-f1-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Safety Car live shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

During our tour of the Mercedes-Benz AMG facility in Affalterbach, Germany this morning, we spotted this track-ready SLS AMG Safety Car hanging out, and we couldn't resist snapping a few photos.

As we reported earlier, the SLS AMG F1 Safety Car is, for the most part, mechanically unchanged from the street-ready version, save its slightly augmented tailpipe. From there, Mercedes-Benz has outfitted a new carbon fiber hood with front-mounted camera, an all-LED roof light bar, and a rear number plate with an integrated camera.

Checking out this SLS Safety Car in person only has only made us more excited to see it put to good use during the Formula One season, and it brings back fond memories of our time spent flogging the 2011 SLS on both the track and street. Hot stuff. Click through our attached gallery to see high-res shots of the car in the flesh.


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Safety Car Live Shots


Photos Copyright (C) 2010 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

First Live Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AffalterbachAMGf1 safety carF1SafetyCarformula 1formula 1 safety carformula one safety carFormula1Formula1SafetyCarFormulaOneSafetyCargermanymercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgMercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety CarMercedes-benzSlsAmgMercedes-benzSlsAmgF1SafetyCarsafety carSafetyCarsls amgsls amg safety carSlsAmgSlsAmgSafetyCarMon, 01 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19377957/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/01/first-live-shots-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-f1-safety-car/19377957/article-detail.xml 19377957 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/mercedes-benzslsamgsafetycar000opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/mercedes-benzslsamgsafetycar000opt.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: When the Safety Car... isn't]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/video-when-the-safety-car-isnt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/video-when-the-safety-car-isnt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/video-when-the-safety-car-isnt/#commentsFiled under: ,


Safety car crash video: Click above to watch video after the jump

The main job of a safety car in racing is to slow the pace of the race during a crash or help bring cars to a stop in the event that debris needs to be removed from the track. The safety car is usually provided by an OEM sponsor that pays for the right to slap flashing lights on the hood, and in the case of last weekend's FIA WTTC race in Pau, France, the safety car was the Chevy Cruze. Unfortunately for BMW driver Franz Engstler, this Cruze wasn't exactly the safest safety car.

After a minor crash left another car stranded on the track, the Cruze safety car pulled out of the pits and veered far left just after getting out of the gates. Engstler's BMW 320si never had a chance, as the Cruze shot right into his path. The BMW's rear passenger tire was ripped off on impact, knocking Engstler out of the race completely. Coincidentally, with Engstler and his BMW out, Alain Menu took the top podium spot behind the wheel of a - you guessed it - Chevy Cruze. Follow the jump to see the action for yourself. Thanks to everyone for the tip!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: When the Safety Car... isn't

VIDEO: When the Safety Car... isn't originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>franz engstlerFranzEngstlerracing crashRacingCrashsafety carsafety car crashSafetyCarSafetyCarCrashwtccwtcc safety car crashWtccSafetyCarCrashwttcMon, 18 May 2009 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1548620/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/18/video-when-the-safety-car-isnt/1548620/article-detail.xml 1548620 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/cruze-safety-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/cruze-safety-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Safety First: Wiesmann MF5 sets the pace for FIA GT Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/safety-first-wiesmann-mf5-sets-the-pace-for-fia-gt-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/safety-first-wiesmann-mf5-sets-the-pace-for-fia-gt-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/safety-first-wiesmann-mf5-sets-the-pace-for-fia-gt-championship/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wiesmann MF5 FIA GT Safety Car - Click above to view in high resolution

The 2009 FIA GT Championship kicked off this weekend at England's stoic Silverstone circuit, and with it a number of new racing machines - including competition versions of the Nissan GT-R, Audi R8 and Ford GT - started their bid for the crown. But at the front of the field was another beast entirely. While other racing series tend to go with more mainstream, albeit high-end vehicles to set the pace at their events - Corvettes at Indy, Bimmers at MotoGP, Mercedes AMGs at F1 grands prix and DTM - the FIA GT Championship has opted to go with something decidedly more obscure: the Wiesmann MF5.

The niche retro sportscar is made by small German exotic automaker Weismann, and is differentiated from the stock GT by the motivation of one of the most lauded engines in autodom: the high-revving V10 from the BMW M5 and M6. With over 500 horsepower under the hood, the MF5 hits 60 in less than four seconds, giving it the pace it needs to stay ahead of the field.

[Source: Wiesmann]

Safety First: Wiesmann MF5 sets the pace for FIA GT Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 May 2009 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X6 M MotoGP safety car - Click to view in high resolution
Coupes, sedans, convertibles, even sport-wagons... BMW's venerated Motorsport division - known to all the world by the letter M - has tuned all sorts of vehicles from the Bavarian automaker's lineup, but with the launch of the new X5 M and X6 M, this is the first time the tuning division has been tasked with tweaking a crossover or SUV... or anything with four-wheel-drive, for that matter. Purists might view it as a bridge too far for the garage that has turned out such precision driving tools as the original 3.0 CSL, the exotic M1 and the spectacular M3, but Munich's marketing department has evidently wasted no time in assuaging those doubts by putting the new X6 M on the track as quickly as possible, and in one of the most speed-crazed, testosterone-infused forms of motorsport on the planet: MotoGP.

Fresh off the floor of Manhattan's Javitz Center, where it debuted at the ongoing New York Auto Show, the X6 M debuts this weekend Qatar as the official safety car of the MotoGP race at Losail. The new M-tuned "sports activity coupe" joins a paddock full of vehicles provided by BMW to serve as safety cars and trackside VIP transports, including the M6, M5 Touring and M3. This marks the eleventh season in which BMW has partnered with MotoGP. Follow the jump to read more in the full press release, and check out the pair of images of the X6 M safety car by clicking the thumbnails below.


Gallery: BMW X6 M MotoGP safety car



[Source: BMW via MotoGP]

Continue reading Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car

Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw mbmw motorsportbmw x6bmw x6 mBmwMBmwMotorsportBmwX6BmwX6Mmoto gpmoto gp safety carMotoGpMotoGpSafetyCarsafetysafety carSafetyCarSun, 12 Apr 2009 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1514763/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/12/setting-the-pace-bmw-x6-m-debuts-as-motogp-safety-car/1514763/article-detail.xml 1514763 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/n497493_bmw_1.original_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/n497493_bmw_1.original.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG returns as F1 safety car for 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-returns-as-f1-safety-car-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-returns-as-f1-safety-car-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-returns-as-f1-safety-car-for-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG F1 Safety Car

AMG has been involved in Formula 1 for well over a decade now, starting with a Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG serving as the safety car back in 1996. Most recently, the SL63 AMG earned the spot last year, and it is returning for 2009 to set the pace at each F1 race this year. To ensure that it's capable of performing its duties in any situation, the car has been fitted with quite a few upgrades, including an upgraded coilover suspension system, a three-stage traction control system, massive composite brakes - 15.4 inches up front and 14.2 inch in the rear - and additional coolers for the oil, transmission, coolant, and power steering. The overall weight of the car has also been reduced by 485 pounds thanks to carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body components and the removal of the convertible top mechanism. Follow the jump for more details in the press release from Mercedes-Benz, and check out the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG F1 Safety Car


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG returns as F1 safety car for 2009

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG returns as F1 safety car for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>F1Formula 1Formula OneFormula1FormulaOneMercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz SL63 AMGMercedes-Benz SL63 AMG F1 Safety CarMercedes-benzSl63AmgMercedes-benzSl63AmgF1SafetyCarpace carPaceCarsafety carSafetyCarFri, 27 Mar 2009 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1500397/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/03/27/mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-returns-as-f1-safety-car-for-2009/1500397/article-detail.xml 1500397 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/sl63f1pacecar_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/sl63f1pacecar_lead.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes offers up C63 AMG as Official Safety Car of DTM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/mercedes-offers-up-c63-amg-as-official-safety-car-of-dtm/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/mercedes-offers-up-c63-amg-as-official-safety-car-of-dtm/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/mercedes-offers-up-c63-amg-as-official-safety-car-of-dtm/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the M-B C63 AMG DTM safety car.

The Mercedes-Benz SL63 might have the honor of being picked as the official safety car for Formula One, but the equally badass, slightly more affordable and dangerously practical C63 AMG has been chosen to run ahead of the DTM racers, minus its 250 km/h speed limiter.

While the DTM safety car might look exactly like its production counterpart, save the roof-mounted lights and decals, the suspension, brakes, cooling system and exhaust have all been modified. To help keep the stock 457 hp, 6.2-liter V8 from running too hot while trying to avoid a DTM car-shaped enema, the radiator has been upgraded, along with a larger transmission oil cooler and two engine oil coolers mounted behind the front bumper's large air dams. Additionally, the rear axle cooling fins have been optimized to provide better airflow and benefits from a remote oil cooler.

The AMG C63 DTM safety car will make its official debut this weekend at the second race of the season in Oschersleben, Germany.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG DTM Safety Car

Continue reading Mercedes offers up C63 AMG as Official Safety Car of DTM

Mercedes offers up C63 AMG as Official Safety Car of DTM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgc63c63 AMGC63Amgmercedes benzmercedes benz c63 amgmercedes benz c63 amg dtmmercedes-benzmercedes-benz c63 amgMercedes-benzC63AmgMercedesBenzMercedesBenzC63AmgMercedesBenzC63AmgDtmsafety carSafetyCarFri, 18 Apr 2008 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1171295/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/18/mercedes-offers-up-c63-amg-as-official-safety-car-of-dtm/1171295/article-detail.xml 1171295 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/c63_amg_dtm_450-op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/c63_amg_dtm_450-op.jpg <![CDATA[2008 MINI Challenge Series Clubman safety car, fastest Clubman to date]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/05/2008-mini-challenge-series-clubman-safety-car-fastest-clubman-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/05/2008-mini-challenge-series-clubman-safety-car-fastest-clubman-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/05/2008-mini-challenge-series-clubman-safety-car-fastest-clubman-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Our main-MINI-man Gabe over at MotoringFile procured a handful of shots showing the safety car for the 2008 MINI Challenge, and the series' organizers have commissioned a one-off Clubman S to be built with a host of modifications to make it track worthy. Although there's no mention of what changes were made under the hood, according to the site, a John Cooper Works (JCW) exhaust is fitted and the new rear spoiler will be an option for the Clubman come 2008. The obvious changes to ride height would imply that some serious suspension tweaks were in order, while the new front and rear diffuser could foretell the future of JCW-equipped Clubmans.

You can read over our previous posts about the MINI JCW Challenge racer here and here, and check out more shots of the Clubman safety car here.

[Source: MotoringFile]

2008 MINI Challenge Series Clubman safety car, fastest Clubman to date originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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