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[BMW continues curtailing racing programs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-continues-curtailing-racing-programs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-continues-curtailing-racing-programs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-continues-curtailing-racing-programs/#commentsFiled under: ,


BMW 320si WTCC, BMW-Sauber F1.07 and Formula BMW FB02 - Click above for high-res image gallery

What would BMW be without racing? We could be about to find out if recent developments are any indication. The Bavarian automaker competed in F1, the World Touring Car Championship and various sportscar series, while running its own Formula BMW feeder series that has helped breed such talents as Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel. The automaker announced its withdrawal from Formula One at the end of this year, and reports now indicate that they'll be severely curtailing their participation in the World Touring Car Championship as well.

BMW mounted a concerted comeback effort in the WTCC this year, only to narrowly lose out again to SEAT. Whether the decision is directly related to the upset or not is unclear, but reports out of Europe say that BMW will be reducing the number of its cars in the championship next year from five to two. That means eliminating the national teams system it had in place, consolidating and putting its WTCC-spec 320si in the hands of Team Schnitzer (the erstwhile BMW Team Germany), which gains triple champion Andy Priaulx from BMW Team UK to partner with multiple race winner Augusto Farfus. Two-time CART champion and double amputee Alex Zanardi, who was racing for BMW Team Italy-Spain, is moving to the Superstars Series. (Touring car fans should also note that SEAT's 2008 champion Yvan Muller is moving to Chevrolet to replace the retiring former F1 driver Nicola Larini.)

What remains to be seen is whether BMW will continue cutting its racing activities in other series as well, or if they'll have cut enough expenditures from their F1 and WTCC programs to let its sportscar programs and Formula BMW survive the cutbacks.


Gallery: BMW 320si WTCC


[Source: OmniAuto.it]

BMW continues curtailing racing programs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex zanardiAlexZanardiandy priaulxAndyPriaulxaugusto farfusAugustoFarfusbmwbmw 320sibmw wtccBmw320siBmwWtccnicola lariniNicolaLariniworld touring car championshipWorldTouringCarChampionshipwtccyvan mullerYvanMullerFri, 27 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/seat-dominates-with-second-consecutive-world-touring-car-champio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/seat-dominates-with-second-consecutive-world-touring-car-champio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/seat-dominates-with-second-consecutive-world-touring-car-champio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


SEAT World Touring Car Championship Team with the Leon TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you would have told us ten or twenty years ago that diesel would come to dominate motor racing, we probably would have laughed in your face. But since Audi charted new territory by dominating Le Mans with its R10 TDI, the competition benefits of burning oil is beyond reproach. Not satisfied to let diesel power dominate endurance sportscar racing, however, sister company SEAT picked up the mantle last year in the World Touring Car Championship with the Leon TDI.

As it turns out, running on diesel came to be a liability for SEAT as the WTCC reformatted the rules to reduce diesel's advantage. But the Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo (Spanish Touring Car Company) pulled together, rallied its team and went on to dominate the World Touring Car Championship for the second year in the row, clinching all three of the series titles this past weekend in Macau - China's closest approximation of Monaco and the final round in the championship.

SEAT won the manufacturers' title, outpacing rivals BMW by three small points and outshining Chevrolet (with their new Cruze-based touring car) and Lada. SEAT's main shoe, Gabriele Tarquini, clinched the drivers' title ahead of his teammate (and defending champion) Yvan Muller. As if that wasn't enough, privateer Tom Coronel drove his gasoline-powered Leon to secure the Independents Trophy as well, making it a resounding triple victory for SEAT and its WTCC crew. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: SEAT Leon TDI at WTCC Macau


[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship

SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselleonleon tdiLeonTdimacauseatseat leonseat leon tdiseat leon wtccSeatLeonSeatLeonTdiSeatLeonWtcctdiworld touring car championshipWorldTouringCarChampionshipwtccTue, 24 Nov 2009 15:31:00 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[VIDEO: Premature Ejaculation - When fire suppression systems attack]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/video-premature-ejaculation-when-fire-suppression-systems-att/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/video-premature-ejaculation-when-fire-suppression-systems-att/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/video-premature-ejaculation-when-fire-suppression-systems-att/#commentsFiled under: , ,

WTCC BMW 320si - click above to watch the video

My my, this is embarrassing. During a full course yellow, Jonathan Adam is all set to get interviewed when KA-BLAMO! - the fire suppression system in his WTCC BTCC BMW 320si goes haywire, dousing him with loads of sticky goop.

It isn't immediately clear if Adam inadvertently triggered the safety system himself, or if the foamy shower was visited upon him thanks to a mechanical defect. Either way, check out the full video of a very sad and sticky Mr. Adam after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Axis of Oversteer]

Continue reading VIDEO: Premature Ejaculation - When fire suppression systems attack

VIDEO: Premature Ejaculation - When fire suppression systems attack originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>320siBMWBMW 320siBmw320siBTCCextinguisherfire safetyfire suppressionFireSafetyFireSuppressionJonathan AdamJonathanAdamtouring carTouringCarWTCCWed, 19 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![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<![CDATA[Cruze Contol: New Chevy WTCC car takes first pole, double victories in Morocco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/cruze-contol-new-chevy-wtcc-car-takes-first-pole-double-victor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/cruze-contol-new-chevy-wtcc-car-takes-first-pole-double-victor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/cruze-contol-new-chevy-wtcc-car-takes-first-pole-double-victor/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Chevrolet Cruze at WTCC Marrakech - Click above for a high-res image gallery

While a set of races in the World Touring Car Championship might not ordinarily be something we'd cover here at Autoblog - we doubt you'll mind the spoiler - this weekend's rounds in Marrakech, Morocco, held a series of firsts for the international racing series. Not only was this the first time the championship headed into Africa, but the new Chevy Cruze scored its first pole position and followed up by taking first place in both races, with Nicola Larini taking his first race victory in the series.

The former grand prix driver raced for Ligier-Ford, Modena-Lamborghini and Scuderia Ferrari, scoring a career-best second-place finish with the latter at San Marino in 1994 after taking the DTM title in Germany the year before. The veteran Italian racer has been with the Chevy team in the WTCC since 2005, and scored his first race victory in the series in the second round of the double-header in Marrakech after his team-mate Rob Huff turned the first pole position for the new Chevrolet Cruze racer into the car's maiden victory in the first race. Huff's domination from start to finish was only compounded by the fastest laps that the Cruze claimed en route to the checkered flag in both races. The duo faced tough opposition from a field composed primarily of Seat Leon TSFI and BMW 320si touring cars, but the new Chevy, which was unveiled last October before receiving its official livery in December, ultimately prevailed at the new North African track. Details in the press release after the jump, high-res photos in the gallery below.


Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze at Marrakech WTCC


[Source: Chevrolet and Autosport]

Continue reading Cruze Contol: New Chevy WTCC car takes first pole, double victories in Morocco

Cruze Contol: New Chevy WTCC car takes first pole, double victories in Morocco originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>checkered flagCheckeredFlagchevrolet cruzechevrolet cruze wtccChevroletCruzeChevroletCruzeWtccchevy cruzeChevyCruzecruzeFIA world touring car championshipFiaWorldTouringCarChampionshipmarrakechmorocconicola lariniNicolaLarinipole positionPolePositionrob huffRobHufftouring carsTouringCarsworld touring car championshipWorldTouringCarChampionshipwtccwtcc chevrolet cruzewtcc chevy cruzewtcc marrakechWtccChevroletCruzeWtccChevyCruzeWtccMarrakechMon, 04 May 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Cruze WTCC livery gets official Italian reveal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/chevy-cruze-wtcc-livery-gets-official-italian-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/chevy-cruze-wtcc-livery-gets-official-italian-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/chevy-cruze-wtcc-livery-gets-official-italian-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Chevy Cruze WTCC

Chevy used the Bologna Motor Show this week to debut its new livery for its also new Chevy Cruze WTCC racer. The Chevy Cruze will replace the Lacetti both on the street and the track, where the Lacetti managed to rack up 14 wins in the last three seasons of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The new livery carries over the team's white and blue color scheme with an asymmetrical application that is said to highlight the new ginormous split grille up front. Aside from the new graphics, the WTCC Cruze looks particularly menacing with a full complement of fender flares, a large rear wing and deep front chin spoiler. The racer will debut in early March in Curitiba, Brazil, while the production car will go on sale in Europe around the same time. We here in the States will have to wait even longer to buy the successor to our own Cobalt, that is, if General Motors is even around then.

Gallery: Chevy Cruze WTCC


[Source: Chevy]

Chevy Cruze WTCC livery gets official Italian reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy cruze wtccChevyCruzeWtccworld touring car championshipWorldTouringCarChampionshipwtccFri, 05 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze WTCC racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/gm-unveils-chevrolet-cruze-wtcc-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/gm-unveils-chevrolet-cruze-wtcc-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/gm-unveils-chevrolet-cruze-wtcc-racer/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevrolet Cruze WTCC

For the past few years General Motors has been competing in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) with a car based on the Daewoo-built Chevrolet Lacetti. Top Gear fans will of course recognize the Lacetti as the current Reasonably Priced Car for Stars to demonstrate their track abilities. As the road-going version of the Lacetti grows long in the tooth, the General will be supplanting the budget people mover with the new Chevrolet Cruze. And that means in 2009, GM will replace the Lacetti with a new, Cruze-based WTCC challenger. The WTCC Cruze is already being tested in preparation for its debut in Brazil next spring. Cars running in the WTCC are based on compact and midsized cars with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. Touring car racing has been popular in other parts of the world, but has never caught on in the U.S. in spite of being more closely related to stock cars than the ones that run around in circles under the banner of NASCAR.

Gallery: Chevy Cruze WTCC


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze WTCC racer

GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze WTCC racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet cruzechevrolet cruze wtccChevroletCruzeChevroletCruzeWtccchevy cruze wtccChevyCruzeWtccwtccMon, 13 Oct 2008 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Motor racing returns to Morocco after 50 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/motor-racing-returns-to-morocco-after-50-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/motor-racing-returns-to-morocco-after-50-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/motor-racing-returns-to-morocco-after-50-years/#commentsFiled under: ,

Imagine all the exotic locals where international motor racing has taken place over the course of modern history and Morocco might not show up on your radar. But back in the era of Casablanca, the North African country, just across the Straight of Gibraltar from Europe, hosted the Moroccan Grand Prix, starting with a touring car race in 1925 and culminating with an F1 grand prix in 1958 won by (spoiler alert!) Stirling Moss. Now, after fifty years have passed, the racing scene is set to return to Morocco for a World Touring Car Championship race in Marrakech.

Instead of using the old Ain-Diab circuit, construction of the new street circuit is scheduled to begin later this month. Race organizers expect to draw a crowd of 100,000 fans when the race kicks off on May 1, 2009, but after the cancellation of the nearby Dakar Rally due to terrorist threats from Al-Qaeda, we would hope that race organizers will take serious security precautions.

[Source: autosport, WTCC]

Motor racing returns to Morocco after 50 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marrakechmoroccoworld touring car championshipWorldTouringCarChampionshipwtccwtcc marrakechwtcc moroccoWtccMarrakechWtccMoroccoWed, 09 Jul 2008 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Diesel claims another category: BMW building a diesel engine for the WTCC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/26/diesel-claims-another-category-bmw-building-a-diesel-engine-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/26/diesel-claims-another-category-bmw-building-a-diesel-engine-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/26/diesel-claims-another-category-bmw-building-a-diesel-engine-for/#commentsFiled under: ,



In only its second WTCC race, the diesel-engined Seat Leon TDI came in first -- in front of its gas-powered Leon sibling. The diesel car only entered the series in July, yet it won three races and the driver was in championship contention up until the final race. BMW didn't need any more impetus than that to start planning its own turbocharged diesel engine program for the race series.

Surprisingly, though, BMW's head of motorsport, Mario Thiessen, doesn't think diesel is the way to go, citing the time it takes to really develop an engine and sort it out. But what's really at issue for him is the lack of clear parity in the WTCC, with different chassis, engine sizes and outputs, and now, different fuel types. He would rather see a situation more like Formula 1, with regulations that mandate more equalization.

Nevertheless, BMW has a very highly regarded diesel engine to start with. And if the WTCC engineers have decided to work on a diesel engine in spite of the boss' hesitations, then they'll want to do a very good job of it. We've seen Le Mans conquered by oil burners -- is the WTCC next?

[Source: Auto Racing Daily]

Diesel claims another category: BMW building a diesel engine for the WTCC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw wtcc dieselBmwWtccDieseldiesel race carsDieselRaceCarsseat leon tdi wtccseat leon wtccSeatLeonTdiWtccSeatLeonWtccwtccMon, 26 Nov 2007 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[It worked for Audi... SEAT entering first diesel in WTCC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/20/it-worked-for-audi-seat-entering-first-diesel-in-wtcc/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/20/it-worked-for-audi-seat-entering-first-diesel-in-wtcc/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/20/it-worked-for-audi-seat-entering-first-diesel-in-wtcc/#commentsFiled under: , ,



SEAT, being under the VAG corporate umbrella, certainly knows what's been going on with Audi's racing diesels. Perhaps the division looks up to its Ingolstadt cousins with admiration, and it's hoping that imitation yields the same type of success. SEAT will be the first manufacturer to field a diesel-powered entry in the FIA's World Touring Car Championship. Two TDI racers will take to the macadam on July 28th and 29th in Sweden.

The car itself is a Leon sporting a 2-liter diesel engine that's based on the 170PS street-going mill. In WTCC trim, power is up to 280PS, and the turbocharger and gearbox have been swapped for racing units. The rules stipulate that a diesel car carry a 30kg weight penalty, and the attendant hardware for the powertrain shifts the weight distribution in a bad direction. SEAT is banking on the moves the chassis provides, as well as the muscular torque delivery of the diesel to make the Leon competitive.

Press release after the jump

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading It worked for Audi... SEAT entering first diesel in WTCC

It worked for Audi... SEAT entering first diesel in WTCC originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselmotorsportsracingSEATwtccFri, 20 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[World Touring Car Championship set to kick off in Brazil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/10/world-touring-car-championship-set-to-kick-off-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/10/world-touring-car-championship-set-to-kick-off-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/10/world-touring-car-championship-set-to-kick-off-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: ,



The calendar is already showing March and the weather is hinting at spring, so the racing season must be about to explode. NASCAR is already underway, F1 will kick off this weekend in Australia, and ALMS at Sebring the week after. Series like Speed GT and Touring Car, however, will really have the TiVo working overtime. The FIA's World Touring Car Championship is one such series, which begins its 22-race season in Brazil this Sunday. Along with Formula One and the World Rally Championship, WTCC is the only worldwide competition sanctioned by the FIA. That says something about the growing popularity of this type of racing.

Previously a European series, the racing has spread across the globe and is truly a World event for '07. Besides the first two rounds in Curitiba, Brazil, the 2007 WTCC season will see racing at new circuits like Zandvoort, Netherlands; Anderstorp, Sweden; and the street circuits of Pau, France, and Porto, Portugal. Valencia, Brno, Oschersleben, Monza, and Brands Hatch continue on as does Maucau, which will host the finale in November.

Britain's Andy Priaulx, back-to-back WTCC champion, hopes to three-peat this season and thereby make history. After winning the European Championship in '04, the 32-year-old racer went on to win the World Touring Car Championship in 2005 and 2006. He'd be the first British driver to win three FIA world titles in a row. We can't wait to see how the season plays out.

[Source: BMW via AutoMotoPortal]

World Touring Car Championship set to kick off in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Mar 2007 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andy PriaulxAndyPriaulxFIAWorld Touring Car ChampionshipWorldTouringCarChampionshipWTCCSat, 10 Mar 2007 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Chevy WTCC Ultra concept at Estoril]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/06/video-chevy-wtcc-ultra-concept-at-estoril/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/06/video-chevy-wtcc-ultra-concept-at-estoril/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/06/video-chevy-wtcc-ultra-concept-at-estoril/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Some concept cars are purely for show, but some are built to go. GM Europe took the latter a step further by putting their striking and exciting Chevrolet WTCC Ultra concept to the test on the track. The concept race car made its debut at the Paris Motor Show and is scheduled to make an appearance at the Beijing show later this month. So in between, the Chevy boys took the opportunity to put the car through the paces at Estoril in Portugal.

And it wasn't a private test, either. The event coincided with the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) race at the Estoril circuit on October 22, so the WTCC Ultra was enjoyed by the spectators at the race as well as the television audience on Eurosport as it made a publicity lap around the track in front of the field of ETCC race cars. GM hasn't released any performance stats from the track session, and we doubt they seriously risked braking what is sure to be a very expensive one-off.

Nicola Larini, a former F1 driver for Ferrari and currently a Chevrolet touring car racer, was one of the lucky drivers who got to pilot the show car around the track, and remarked, "I would have never expected a concept car to be that well executed and performing so nicely at such an early development phase".

Now if only Chevy would build the beast for public consumption.

(Follow the jump for a full gallery of hi-res images of the WTCC Ultra at Estoril)

[Source: GM]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevy WTCC Ultra concept at Estoril

VIDEO: Chevy WTCC Ultra concept at Estoril originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevyconceptestoriletccimagesultravideowtccMon, 06 Nov 2006 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy shows Prisma Y Concept at San Paulo show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/chevy-shows-prisma-y-concept-at-san-paulo-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/chevy-shows-prisma-y-concept-at-san-paulo-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/chevy-shows-prisma-y-concept-at-san-paulo-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Sao Paulo auto show in Brazil continues to kick out some interesting concepts below 0° lattitude. Following the Fiat FCC Adventure Concept we showed you prior, Chevy unveiled the Prisma Y Concept yesterday. The vehicle looks decidedly more production ready than the Fiat, and a little bit like a bigger Suzuki SX4. Our Jalopified friends also noticed the similarities the Prisma Y shares with the WTCC Ultra Concept that Chevy unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, mainly the bold new grille treatment up front and the electric blue paint job. We particularly like the fog lights up front that are molded into the front fascia and bumper. It's not a bad looking little CUV, if you ask us. You can check out more images of the Prisma Y Concept by clicking on the Read link.

[Source: Bestcars.br via Jalopnik]

Chevy shows Prisma Y Concept at San Paulo show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showAutoShowbrazilchevroletchevyprisma y conceptPrismaYConceptsan pauloSanPaulowtccWed, 18 Oct 2006 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Flight of the Rally Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/video-flight-of-the-rally-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/video-flight-of-the-rally-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/video-flight-of-the-rally-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

The coolest part about rally racing is undoubtedly those precious moments of air time, when racing cars - usually designed to great lengths to stay glued to the tarmac or dirt - take flight. People will camp out in the woods all day and watch entire races on television just for those rare glimpses.

This video gives you just the good stuff: WRC and Dakar racing machines flying over crests and down hills, plus some touring cars and open-wheelers spinning out, just for good measure. It's three minutes and nineteen seconds that elevates the levitating cars to a ballet. All for your viewing pleasure - see if you can stay in your seat.

[Source: motorpasion]

VIDEO: Flight of the Rally Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardtmrallyvideowrcwtccFri, 13 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show Booth Tour - General Motors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/07/video-2006-paris-motor-show-booth-tour-general-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/07/video-2006-paris-motor-show-booth-tour-general-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/07/video-2006-paris-motor-show-booth-tour-general-motors/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Here's the second video in our five-part series of booth tours at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, and this time we focus on General Motors. I'll say again this our first time producing video and I'm disappointed in myself that we didn't capture footage of more vehicles from General Motors and its brands sold in Europe, but we did get the big one, which is the Chevy WTCC Ultra Concept. We also padded the video with footage of the Opel Antara, Opel CorsaVan and the Cadillac SRX's new fancy interior. Hope you enjoy watching these as much as we do making them and keep your eyes peeled for more.

BTW - If you like the video and the work that we're doing, please support us by voting for the video on the new Netscape. All you have to do is click the up arrow at the top of the video window. If you aren't registered at the new Netscape, now is as good a time as any. Thanks!

Part 1: VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show - VW / Audi / Lamborghini Booth Tour

VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show Booth Tour - General Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Oct 2006 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AntaraconceptCorsaCorsaVanOpelSRXWTCCSat, 07 Oct 2006 06:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris Motor Show: Chevrolet WTCC Ultra pics and info]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-chevrolet-wtcc-ultra-pics-and-info/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-chevrolet-wtcc-ultra-pics-and-info/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-chevrolet-wtcc-ultra-pics-and-info/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Our man John just reported in from the floor of the Paris Motor Show with images and info on the Chevy WTCC Ultra concept car.

Described as "a Chevrolet muscle car reinvented for Europe", the WTCC Ultra takes its name and inspiration from the World Touring Car Championship, Europe's version of stock car racing. Motivation comes from a 2-liter common rail diesel driving over 190 hp through the front wheels.

Compact and intimidating, we can only hope some of the car's aggressive styling elements will make it into new Chevys for the road. Imagine seeing this baby rapidly growing in your rearview mirror!

Related posts:

More images (LOTS more images) and full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Chevrolet WTCC Ultra pics and info

Paris Motor Show: Chevrolet WTCC Ultra pics and info originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 05:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aggressiveautobluechevroletchevycommon railCommonRailconceptdieselmotorparisshowshowcartouringwtccThu, 28 Sep 2006 05:35:00 EST<![CDATA[More on the Chevy WTCC Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/more-on-the-chevy-wtcc-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/more-on-the-chevy-wtcc-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/more-on-the-chevy-wtcc-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



More information came from on high this morning about Chevrolet's WTCC Concept. The vehicle, which Chevy's Executive Director of Design in Europe and Asia calls, "a Chevrolet muscle car reinvented for Europe," pulls design cues from its current touring car siblings and takes a good look into the future.

The compact, winged beast finds motivation from a 2-liter common rail diesel, producing upwards of 190 HP and sending power through the front wheels. The newly developed independent suspension is partnered with McPherson struts all-round, which should make this into one of the most capable bombers from Chevy in recent memory.

World Car Fans has all the details, along with a host of pictures and even an Ibiza-inspired C.G. video. Check it.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Related Link:
Chevy WTCC Ultra concept to debut in Paris

More on the Chevy WTCC Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevydieseltouring carTouringCarwtccTue, 26 Sep 2006 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Zanardi wins Touring Car race in Istanbul]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/zanardi-wins-touring-car-race-in-istanbul/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/zanardi-wins-touring-car-race-in-istanbul/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/zanardi-wins-touring-car-race-in-istanbul/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Alex Zanardi won his first race this year in the 15th round of the FIA World Touring Car Championship held in Istanbul, Turkey, on Sunday. Nothing special for a former F1 driver? It is when you remember that he lost both his legs in a Champ Car crash in Germany in 2001.

Zanardi pilots his BMW 320si using special hand controls, and managed to overcome the additional challenge to claim the checkered flag at Istanbul this weekend. This marks the second race the 39-year-old Italian has won since the accident, having taken the honors at Oschersleben last year.

"I'm really happy about my second win in the World Touring Car Championship," Zanardi exclaimed after the race. "My first win in Oschersleben was unbeatable in terms of emotions. However, my situation has not changed dramatically since then, as my legs have not grown back again."

[Source: Motorsport.com]

Zanardi wins Touring Car race in Istanbul originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alessandroalexbmwinstabultouringwtcczanardiMon, 25 Sep 2006 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy WTCC Ultra concept to debut in Paris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/chevy-wtcc-ultra-concept-to-debut-in-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/chevy-wtcc-ultra-concept-to-debut-in-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/chevy-wtcc-ultra-concept-to-debut-in-paris/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Chevrolet WTCC Ultra will be in the center of the automaker's stand at the Paris Motor Show later this month. The WTCC Ultra is a ready-to-drive concept, according to Chevy, that "bends the present World Touring Car Championship regulations". Chevy says it was designed by a team around the globe, which makes sense if one compares the highly exaggerated front grille to the one found on this Chevy Malibu test mule in the States. It's stubby, muscular proportions, though, are supposed to suggest it's going fast when standing still. A 190-hp diesel engine powers the WTCC Ultra when it actually is going fast. Renderings are great fun, but we're very interested to see for ourselves in person how this concept's styling transfers into plastic and steel.

(More pics and Chevy's press release after the jump)

[Source: GM Europe)

Continue reading Chevy WTCC Ultra concept to debut in Paris

Chevy WTCC Ultra concept to debut in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevyParisWTCCWed, 06 Sep 2006 11:57:00 EST