Autoblog

Is Lamborghini the real owner of Ducati?

George Kennedy — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Audi, Lamborghini, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle

Will the real owner of Ducati please stand up? It seems things are not as cut-and-dry as we once understood. Audi has just released its 2012 Interim Financial Report, and there is an interesting little bit on its acquisition of Ducati. It seems that not only was the performance motorbike producer purchased for less than previously stated, but it's technically not even owned by Audi.

In the breakdown from Asphaltandrubber.com, the Italian two-wheel purveyor was purchases for €747 million (or $980 million), less than the $1.1 billion at which Ducati was previously estimated. Even more interesting is that Ducati appears to have actually been acquired by Lamborghini. So, while Ducati falls under the Audi umbrella, it it technically is owned by Lamborghini. This news makes sense of the appointment of Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio to the Lamborghini board of directors.

There are two major outcomes from this maneuver. One, it keeps the Italian motorcycle brand (technically) in Italian hands. Two, with the emissions crackdown from the EU, putting a fleet of fuel-sipping motorcycles under Lambo's roof can throw off the curve and ease the heat from european officials.

Is Lamborghini the real owner of Ducati? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British Eurosport superbike teaser gets under our skin

Zach Bowman — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Motorcycle, Racing

Every form of motorsport requires a certain level of integration between man and machine. Drivers need to be able to quickly and accurately interpret what's going on with their vehicle and react accordingly, but superbike racing pushes that requirement to new bounds. Overshoot a corner, get too close to a competitor or simply get too greedy and riders can find themselves personally acquainted with the track surface.

Taro Russel recently took the time to attempt to capture the kind of partnership that grows between rider and bike in a new promo for superbike racing. Set to some solid Killers tunes, sketches of bone, muscle and organ grow before our very eyes. The ad is properly innovative, and the clips lifted from various races all but ensure an uptick in pulse by the time the screen goes black. Too cool. The video can be seen below so you can check it out for yourself.

Continue reading British Eurosport superbike teaser gets under our skin

British Eurosport superbike teaser gets under our skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ben Spies moves to Yamaha MotoGP Factory Team

Zach Bowman — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Racing

Shocking, we know. What's been called the second-worst kept secret in MotoGP has officially been confirmed. MotoGP rookie and current World Superbike champion Ben Spies (shown at right, with Yamaha's Lin Jarvis) will be saddling up with the factory Yamaha crew starting next year. Rumors to that effect have been buzzing around the inteweb for some time and were recently fueled by Valentino Rossi's departure from the Fiat-Yamaha stable in favor of the Ducati Corse team.

Spies has been an absolute terror on two wheels in MotoGP while riding with the Tech 3 Yamaha team. The Texan is currently 7th in the overall standings thanks to a slew of top 5 finishes, and even managed to podium at Silverstone. Not too shabby for the guy's first year out. There's some indication that he'll be riding alongside Jorge Lorenzo, though Yamaha hasn't solidified anything with the Spaniard just yet.

Those who follow the MotoGP world will have likely noticed the conspicuous lack of a certain prefix from this post. Interestingly enough, 'Fiat' was nowhere to be found in the Spies announcement. Odds are we'll be hearing something about that from the former Fiat-Yamaha team sometime soon. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

[Source: Asphalt and Rubber]

Continue reading Ben Spies moves to Yamaha MotoGP Factory Team

Ben Spies moves to Yamaha MotoGP Factory Team originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Giulietta sets the pace at Monza as Superbike safety car

Noah Joseph — Tue, 11 May 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, Specialty

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde SBK safety car - Click above for high-res image

As one of the most historic racing tracks in Italy, if not the world, Monza is inextricably intertwined with Alfa Romeo. Now those ties have been reinforced with the introduction at the circuit of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta as the safety car for the Superbike World Championship, which held its fifth round at Monza this past weekend.

The Giulietta takes over pacing duties for SBK (as the series is known in shorthand) from the MiTo, which itself had assumed the mantle from the 159. The Quadrifoglio Verde version, with its 235-horsepower, 1.7-liter turbo four, will continue its role for the eight rounds remaining in the series this season. If your Italian is up to snuff, you can read more about it in the native-tongue press release after the jump. And if not, well, we've gone ahead and translated it (thanks, Google!) for you, too.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Alfa Giulietta sets the pace at Monza as Superbike safety car

Alfa Giulietta sets the pace at Monza as Superbike safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stoner crashes, Rossi wins: MotoGP 2010 is officially out of the chutes

Devon Brozek — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Middle East, Racing

Yes, we can officially get, not just a little, but very excited by the first taste of Grand Prix action from the opening round of MotoGP, which happened over the weekend at Losail Raceway in Doha, Qatar. The Doctor, Valentino Rossi, continues to prove that his winning ways are no mere fluke, as he topped the podium at Losail followed by Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso.

On to the 64 thousand dollar question, where was Casey Stoner? After a marginal start that left him caught in traffic, he had successfully picked his way to the front of the pack by the start of lap three. By lap six however, the blazing fast Aussie would be victim to a turn four get-off that would have him finishing outside the top ten... or twenty, for that matter. This cleared the way for the Doctor to claim victory with the precision of a seasoned champ. Although Rossi saw some challenges before the checkers waived, in typical fashion, he was just as fast as need-be to emerge victorious.

One other highlight worth mentioning was the performance of that other Ducati guy, Nicky Hayden, who showed the speed to be a front-running contender this season after several years of mediocrity. Good to see you back in it Nicky! Yamaha's Ben Spies rounded out the top five, offering up the first glimpse of the season that he'll be a contender before too long.

And there you have it folks, The 2010 MotoGP season is officially out of the chutes, and "backing it in" to steal a position at the front of our limited attention span, so far looks like it could be one of the best seasons ever. Hit the break to see the full top ten results.

[Source: Motomatters.com | Image: Mirco Lazzari GP/Getty]

Continue reading Stoner crashes, Rossi wins: MotoGP 2010 is officially out of the chutes

Stoner crashes, Rossi wins: MotoGP 2010 is officially out of the chutes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isle of Man Austrian style: KTM joins the TT for 2010

Devon Brozek — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Racing

2009 KTM RC8 R - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the first brave competitors sought glory on the Isle of Man in 1907, winning brands went by names like Matchless, Peugeot and Norton. Over one hundred years later, Austrian manufacturer KTM will take a chance to add its name to that prestigious list.

Known around the world as one of the most challenging venues on two wheels, the Isle of Man TT (tourist trophy) race is not only rich in history and heritage but also entertainment value. The 37-mile mountain course with its many real-world obstacles is not only extremely difficult but has also proved to exact high levels of concentration if competitors wish not to sacrifice man and machine to the tarmac. With straightaway speeds approaching 200 miles per hour, followed by bike launching bumps, berms and a collection of what we would call the most intimidating cobblestone walls on the planet, the Isle of Man is not for the faint of heart.

UK-based and KTM-backed Redline Motorcycles will take the flagship RC8R and pilot James Edmeades across the drink this June, marking the first time a KTM has skirted the island for competition in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TT Races. The company hopes this orange streak will extend off the rock and legitimize the RC8's place in competitive road racing events... as well as the hearts of fans the world over. At the very least, KTM and Redline know it will be an historic occasion as they tread in the tire marks of a century's worth of dedicated enthusiasts... naturally, they just want to do their treading from the top of the leader board.

Gallery: KTM RC8 R

[Source: BBC]

Isle of Man Austrian style: KTM joins the TT for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW reveals race-ready S 1000 RR

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Motorcycle

Click above for more shots of the BMW S 1000 RR in its race colors

BMW took the wraps off its upcoming S 1000 RR World Superbike contender as the Motorrad division showed the new bike in its official race colors at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. Taking a good look at the photos, we can see that the bike is indeed very compact. Look through the numerous cutouts and vents in the fairing and you'll see how neat and tidy the new literbike is. Next year, new BMW factory riders Ruben Xaus and past Superbike champion Troy Corser will ride the 190-horsepower S 1000 RR in competition against the Big Four Japanese superbikes, the Ducati 1098 R and the new RSV4 from Aprilia. It should all be very exciting to watch.

Expect a street-going version shortly, with 1,000 units of the new model due for 2009. Unlike past Beamers, the S 1000 RR uses an inline four-cylinder engine mounted transversely in the frame with a standard chain drive. Suspension bits also follow the normal telescopic formula up front with a traditional coil-over out back, eschewing BMW's past Telelever, Duolever and Paralever designs. Take a look in our gallery below.

Gallery: BMW S 1000 RR race livery

Gallery: BMW S 1000 RR

[Source: BMW]

BMW reveals race-ready S 1000 RR originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW K1000R - coming to a dealership, and race track, near you?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, BMW, Motorcycle

It's been long-rumored that BMW is considering a campaign in the Superbike racing world with a machine inspired by the bikes from Japan. In fact, test mules have been seen lapping racing circuits with Yamaha R6 bodywork, meaning that the chassis and engine are quite compact for this class. BMW has made liter-bikes before, but none have used the industry-standard chassis layout placing the four-cylinder engine transversely between the frame rails with chain-drive and upside-down forks. It will be interesting to see what engineering details BMW chooses to utilizes, because they never do anything exactly like everybody else. The bike should make 190 horsepower or more to do battle in Superbike racing if they want to be competitive. The above image was commissioned by Motociclismo and may be fairly accurate since we already know so much about what will be underneath the skin.

Like the Aprilia RSV-4, the BMW will give riders, racers and spectators a few interesting story-lines when World Superbike starts back up for the 2009 season.

[Source: Motociclismo via Hell for Leather Magazine]

BMW K1000R - coming to a dealership, and race track, near you? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: KTM RC8 Superbike introduced

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Motorcycle

click above image for more high-res pics of the KTM RC8

Gasp! The Superbike races are heating up fast, with Ducati's new 1098, Buell's new 1125 and now KTM's new RC8 all sporting V-Twin engines of around 150 horsepower. The KTM is what we are looking at above, and it is not likely to be mistaken for any other machine. In case you missed the sharp-edged styling that is indicative of KTM's sportbikes, the screaming-pumpkin orange paint is sure to catch your attention. The RC8 features a new 75 degree V-Twin engine displacing 1148cc's, making 155 horsepower. That's class-competitive, although the bike is a bit of a porker at 414 lbs.

Soon to be competing for your hard-earned bucks against the KaToom, Buell and Ducati will be a new bike from Aprilia, as well. Hold on tight, 'cause the rumor-mill is reporting that BMW is hot on the heals of the other Euro manufacturers with a class-competitive superbike on the horizon too. Good times are ahead whether you're a fan of the Japanese Four or favor something a little different, as the KTM RC8 shown here proves.

[Source: KTM]

Gallery: KTM RC8 Superbike

Officially Official: KTM RC8 Superbike introduced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorsports this weekend: April 29-30

Stuart Waterman — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 03:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

WRC: Rally Argentina
The Rally of Argentina is underway, with Marcus Gronholm (right) leading over Petter Solberg, and a hard-charging Sebastien Loeb moving up quickly in third place after five stages. No U.S. TV coverage, but you may find European clips via BitTorrent. [photo courtesy Ford]
WRC info here.

The rest of the weekend's upcoming action after the jump.

Continue reading Motorsports this weekend: April 29-30

Motorsports this weekend: April 29-30 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Apr 2006 03:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorsports this weekend: April 22-23

Stuart Waterman — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

A busy weekend coming up. U.S. TV coverage is shown (all times Eastern).

Formula 1:
The San Marino Grand Prix is underway at Imola, with Fernando Alonso (shown above at Imola) topping the time charts after Friday's very dusty practice sessions. Paddock talk at Imola suggests that the coveted 12th (and final) F1 franchise has been awarded to Prodrive. Recall that Prodrive boss David Richards ran the B.A.R.-Honda team until recently. [Photo: Renault F1 Team]

Sunday, CBS 1pm ET

More motorsports after the jump...

Continue reading Motorsports this weekend: April 22-23

Motorsports this weekend: April 22-23 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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