Saturday, March 31, 2012
2012 NSCS Goody’s Fast Relief 500 Pre-Race Q&A with Team Chevy Driver, Jeff Gordon
2012 NSCS Jeff Gordon in car - Photo Credit: Robert Laberge/Getty Images for NASCARJEFF GORDON, NO. 24 DRIVE TO END HUNGER CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Martinsville Speedway and discussed his seven victories at Martinsville Speedway, tire testing at Michigan International Speedway and other topics. YOU HAVE SEVERAL OF THE GRANDFATHER CLOCKS...more»
Ostberg counting on more rain
Independent Ford drivers Mads Ostberg and Evgeny Novikov have both admitted they will need the weather to deteriorate if they are to stand any chance of overturning Mikko Hirvonen's Rally of Portugal lead. The Citroen-driving Finn is 52 seconds ahead after the first stage of the afternoon, but the Fiesta RS WRC pair chasing him have not given up on upsetting Hirvonen's plans to take his first win in a DS3 WRC on the Faro-based event
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/world-rally-championship-news/wrc/ostberg-counting-on-more-rain
Saavedra takes Barber Lights pole
Sebastian Saavedra secured pole position for this weekend's Indy Lights race at Barber Motorsports Park.
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/saavedra-takes-barber-lights-pole
Jeep Mighty FC and J-12 Pickups Among Six Concepts Revealed for 2012 Moab Easter Safari [Photo Gallery]
This morning Jeep rolled out six concept vehicles it plans to show off at this year’s Moab Easter Jeep Safari outing. The concepts are the Jeep Mighty FC, Jeep J-12, Jeep Wrangler Apache, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, and the Jeep Wrangler Traildozer. A Jeep Wrangler Rubicon decked out in Mopar accessories was also on hand, [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/019Kz0v_xWI/
Quaife-Hobbs tops Valencia test
Adrian Quaife-Hobbs topped Thursday's AutoGP test at Valencia, out-pacing the rest of the field by nearly two tenths of a second. The 21-year-old Briton, who only secured his deal with Super Nova for the rest of the season last week, was fastest for the majority of the session, his 1m23.867s lap keeping him ahead of Euronova driver Sergey Sirotkin
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/quaife-hobbs-tops-valencia-test
Granny Grump: Fontana, Wide Smilin’, Smoke, Jimmie, Chad And Other Stuff
Granny GrumpHello loyal readers and other folks. Well another race on the Nationwide and Cup Series schedules is over with and out of the way. The trucks were still off this past weekend. I’ll sure be glad when they’re back to racin’. Yessirree I will be. That’s excitin’ racin’ right there and with more of...more»
Friday, March 30, 2012
Sirotkin heads Valencia practice
Sergey Sirotkin set the pace in the opening Auto GP free practice session at Valencia. The Russian driver, who is also taking part in the Italian Formula 3 round at the same circuit this weekend, lapped the Spanish circuit in 1m24.522s to put himself on top, and said that switching cars repeatedly was no problem
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/sirotkin-heads-valencia-practice
iRacing to Build Virtual RUF RT12R
iRacing.com, the world’s foremost online motorsport simulation service, today announced plans to add the RUF RT12R to its lineup of virtual race cars and high performance automobiles. Manufactured by RUF Automobile GmbH, the RT12R is among the world’s very fastest production automobiles. “We’re excited to offer the RUF RT12R to iRacers around the world,” says Steve Myers, Executive Vice President and Producer, iRacing.com Motorsport Simulation, LLC. “We’re proud of the assortment of virtual race cars we have available, but iRacers have made it clear they also want high-performance, exotic automobiles in our service. The RUF RT12R certainly fits the bill. It’s a superb piece of automotive sculpture, with performance that is nothing short of breathtaking.” At the heart of the RUF’s performance is a 3.8 liter, twin-turbo, flat six engine [...]
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/iracing-news/iracing-to-build-virtual-ruf-rt12r
New, Ostensibly Sporty Ford Explorer Model Coming Tomorrow [Video, New York Auto Show]
Ford has posted a video to YouTube, which you can watch below, that teases a new Explorer model. The company says it will make its official debut tomorrow, March 28. It’s clear from the clip that the new Explorer will be something sporty: The opening shot implies a race course—but probably is just Ford’s proving [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/q4J2Kr6eyQI/
Photos: 2012 Saturday at Auto Club Speedway
PHOTO CREDIT: NASCARMEDIA USED WITH PERMISSION
Source: http://thefinallap.com/2012/03/25/photos-2012-saturday-at-auto-club-speedway/
Paquette Prime at Thompson
Maxime Paquette has placed his bid for a late season push to the 2012 Season One NASCAR iRacing.com Late Model Series (NiLMS) title after a strong showing during Week 8 action at the Thompson International Speedway. Over 700 sim racers hauled to the virtual Connecticut race track to showcase their short track skills on the high banks and when all the dust settled, it was St-Cesaire, QC’s Paquette who ended up on top of the weekly standings. Paquette scored two wins in three starts at Thompson, with his top win coming on March 24th during a 3018 strength of field (sof) race. One lead change transpired in the 50 lap online race when Paquette, who started third, took the lead from outside pole sitter Chase Raudman with 11 to go. [...]
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/nascar-news/paquette-prime-at-thompson
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Internationally Known: Return of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer
We’ve been aware of the return of Chevy’s TrailBlazer for quite some time now, so its official debut earlier this week in Thailand was a bit anti-climatic. And while we’re thrilled an honest to goodness, mid-size body-on-frame SUV still exists in the General’s portfolio, we—and a host of vocal internet commenters—are a bit miffed that the [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/mjPT8wSih1c/
Latvala warns night stages may be over
Ford's Jari-Matti Latvala has warned that if tonight's three Rally of Portugal stages are hit by a dust problem, it must spell the end of night time running on most of the World Rally Championship rounds. Latvala won yesterday's qualifying stage and elected to run 17th on the road in order to benefit from the road-cleaning effect from the 16 cars ahead of him. The Finn is well aware, however, that if the organisers' efforts to water the stages don't work, he could be left to deal with the worst of the clouds of dust.
Speedway Motorsports Chairman Bruton Smith Announces Changes to be Made to Bristol Motor Speedway Track Surface
Bruton Smith - Photo Credit:Jim Hunter / NASCAR Public RelationsBRISTOL, Tenn. (Wednesday, March 28, 2012) – After more than a week of studying requested fan input, Bruton Smith, Chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, today announced he has ordered the go-ahead to make changes to the track surface at Bristol Motor Speedway. “The race fans...more»
BUSH’S® Beans Sponsors JTG Daugherty Racing at Martinsville Speedway where Labonte has a Victory
Bobby Labonte JTG Daugherty RacingMARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 27, 2012) – - Five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races are in the books and approaching Martinsville Speedway Bobby Labonte will have a fifth different primary sponsor on his No. 47 Toyota Camry hood with BUSH’S® Beans. “We have some of the best sponsors in the business and...more»
Young driver test could be in Britain
Formula 1 teams are weighing up the idea of running this year's young driver test at Silverstone in the week after the British Grand Prix, AUTOSPORT has learned. The annual three-day run has taken place for the past two years, and is a chance for teams to try out young talent that would not otherwise get the opportunity to drive F1 machinery. Although the original idea was for the test to take place at the end of the season, as it did in 2010, last year it happened after the penultimate event in Abu Dhabi because teams did not want to stay on in Brazil after the finale.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
AUTOS: Jeep Rolls Out Moab Concepts
Six unique concepts created by the Jeep and Mopar divisions will be shown off at the upcoming Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah.
Source: http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/autos-jeep-rolls-out-moab-concepts/
How the House Transpo Extension Hurts the Senate’s Two-Year Bill
Congress has five days in which to pass an extension of transportation funding. That means there will be a flurry of activity on the Hill this week to avoid a shutdown of federal transportation programs on April 1. (It also means there will also be a flurry of “April Fools” references directed by and at [...]
Conway heads damp warm-up
Mike Conway has gone quickest in the final warm-up session ahead of today's IndyCar season-opener at St Petersburg. On a track drying from overnight rain, the AJ Foyt driver produced a best time of 1m03.2891 to put himself just a few hundredths clear of Rahal Letterman Lanigan's Takuma Sato, who'd held the top spot earlier in the session. The tricky conditions prompted a cautious approach throughout the field, which was reflected in the times - of the top six qualifiers, only Ryan Hunter-Reay figured anywhere near the top of the timesheets, while polesitter Will Power finished up 20th
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/indycar-news/indycar/conway-heads-damp-warm-up
Elliott Sadler Notches Top-10 Finish at Auto Club Speedway
Elliott SadlerElliott Sadler and the No. 2 Pierre Drive Thru Sandwiches Chevrolet team drove to a hard-earned ninth-place finish Saturday afternoon at Auto Club Speedway. The team battled splitter issues during the sole practice session of the weekend, but Sadler’s qualifying effort earned the team a fifth-place starting position. When green flag waved on the...more»
Vautier strikes first blow in St Pete
Tristan Vautier has struck the opening blow in the 2012 Indy Lights season with a comfortable win around the streets of St Petersburg. The reigning Star Mazda champion headed a 1-2 for Sam Schmidt Motorsports by beating home Esteban Guerrieri. His margin of victory was just over a second, although it would have been far greater had it not been for a couple of stints behind the safety car that bunched up the field
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/vautier-strikes-first-blow-in-st-pete
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
2012 Ford Police Interceptor / Interceptor Utility First Drive: The Crown Vic Retires from the Force
From New York to New Orleans, cops and cabbies have more in common than a Plexiglas divider behind them: A fierce loyalty to primitive but durable rear-drive guzzlers. Keep Reading: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor / Interceptor Utility – First Drive Review
Conover, Lambert Bid for Late Model Title
With the second half of the 2012 Season One NASCAR iRacing.com Late Model Series (NiLMS) campaign underway, championship contenders are beginning to emerge as the push is on to put together the best eight weeks to tally up to a title. Jeff Conover, an iRacing Late Model veteran and Mark Lambert, who has lit the lamp many times early in the season, have put in their bids to become the champ with their recent weekly wins during Rounds Six and Seven at the Iowa and Concord Speedways, respectively. Hundreds of sim racers came-out over the past two weeks to run at the two unique short tracks with the ultimate goal in mind – to take a checkered flag in iRacing’s most competitive short track series. Conover’s winning total for the [...]
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/iracing-news/conover-lambert-bid-for-late-model-title
Colin Monahan Named Marketing Coordinator at Infineon Raceway
Infineon Raceway SONOMA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2012) Colin Monahan has been named Marketing Coordinator at Infineon Raceway, raceway officials announced....
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2012/01/colin_monahan_named_marke.php
Photos: 2012 Saturday at Auto Club Speedway
PHOTO CREDIT: NASCARMEDIA USED WITH PERMISSION
Source: http://thefinallap.com/2012/03/25/photos-2012-saturday-at-auto-club-speedway/
Monday, March 26, 2012
NHRA JR. DRAG RACING LEAGUE CONFERENCE FINALS RETURNING TO DENVER, BRISTOL FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2012
NHRA GLENDORA, Calif. Dec. 20, 2011 To help kick off the 20th Anniversary celebration of the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA announced today that the Western Conference Finals and Eastern Conference Finals will once again return to Bandimere Speedway...
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/12/nhra_jr_drag_racing_leagu_1.php
Despite rumors, Volvo not ceasing electric C30 production plans
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Volvo, Electric
Dutch website NU recently reported that Volvo expects low demand for its C30 Electric, and therefore it decided to stop building the mostly electric car (it has a small, ethanol-burning heater to keep passengers warm). The original source for this information was a story in the Belgian newspaper The Age that cited Volvo's government affairs director, Anders Kärrberg. Turns out, this isn't quite right.
First, Volvo has always said the C30 Electric is a limited program. When the company started making the attractive EV in last summer, the public plan was to make just 250 units. So, the fact that the automaker is getting ready to finish up building the 250 units and then reevaluate the situation is not a surprise.
We asked Volvo's Malin Persson about the situation, and she told Autoblog that "[it has] never been our aim to continue with production of C30 Electric for a longer period of time." She added that:
- [Volvo Car Corporation] will not end the production of the C30 Electric - but it has always been a project limited in numbers and time.
- Approximately 200 cars have been built from the first generation, another 50 remain to be built before summer.
- In the second generation, starting after the summer, 100 cars will be built in cooperation with Siemens and with Siemens technology.
- The know-how and experience VCC has gained and will gain from the C30 Electric project will be extremely valuable when taking decisions about the way forward when it comes to electric cars.
Despite rumors, Volvo not ceasing electric C30 production plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/despite-rumors-volvo-not-ceasing-electric-c30-production-plans/
Castroneves: Win a vital boost
Helio Castroneves has admitted that his win in Sunday's IndyCar curtain-raiser in St Petersburg was important for both himself and his Penske team after enduring the worst season of his career last year. The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner came into the weekend off the back of the first winless season of his career last year. His last victory had come at Motegi in 2010, and he said that opening his 2012 campaign with a win would be an important boost.
Dieter Gass to reinforce Audi Sport
AUDI Motorsport Ingolstadt, December 19, 2011 - New position: Head of Racing Commitments - Engineer is returning to Audi family - Experience from eleven years in Formula One Audi is tackling the 2012 motor sport season with an extended leadership...
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/12/dieter_gass_to_reinforce.php
SEB, WEB AND SEB RED BULL RACING'S 2012 DRIVER LINE-UP
Red Bull Racing Thursday 5 January 2012 Red Bull Racing is pleased to confirm that Sébastien Buemi will continue his relationship with Red Bull as Red Bull Racing's test and reserve driver for 2012. The 23-year-old joins Sebastian Vettel and...
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2012/01/seb_web_and_seb_red_bull.php
Sunday, March 25, 2012
2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-class Photos and Info: Freshened Face, Optional Diesel
If you’re an automotive enthusiast, then small luxury crossovers probably don’t light your candle. (Audi’s Red Bull–snorting, 310-hp Q3 with a turbocharged five is one noteworthy exception.) Still, the refreshed-for-2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK deserves your attention. Keep Reading: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class – Official Photos and Info
Vautier strikes first blow in St Pete
Tristan Vautier has struck the opening blow in the 2012 Indy Lights season with a comfortable win around the streets of St Petersburg. The reigning Star Mazda champion headed a 1-2 for Sam Schmidt Motorsports by beating home Esteban Guerrieri. His margin of victory was just over a second, although it would have been far greater had it not been for a couple of stints behind the safety car that bunched up the field
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/vautier-strikes-first-blow-in-st-pete
2012 NSCS Auto Club 400 Pre-Race Q&A with Toyota Motorsports Driver, Denny Hamlin
2012 NSCS Denny Hamlin - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCARDENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing How has your season been heading into the fourth race of the season? “We’re four weeks in. We’ve had two good weeks and two bad weeks — obviously, coming off the two bad...more»
2012 NSCS Auto Club 400 Pre-Race Q&A with Team Chevy Driver, Jeff Gordon
2012 NSCS 24 car - Drive to End Hunger (Jeff Gordon) - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCARJEFF GORDON, NO. 24 DRIVE TO END HUNGER CHEVROLET met with members of the media at Auto Club Speedway and discussed the incident at Bristol with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other topics. TALK ABOUT YOUR SEASON TO DATE: ...more»
Brawn fed up with wing row
Ross Brawn believes that if rival teams are so concerned about the legality of the rear wing on the Mercedes F1 W03 then they should make an official protest before a grand prix weekend gets underway. The Mercedes system, often referred to as a DRS activated f-duct, has been the subject of much talk since the season kicked off in Australia last weekend.
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/brawn-fed-up-with-wing-row
Electric-Car Predictions Set New Records [Bruce McCall]
The U.S. Wattage Council, the visionary consortium of Sunday-supplement editors, appliance-store owners, high-school shop teachers, and people who have taken rides in flying saucers, has announced that the electric automobile is finally poised to fulfill its century-old promise “any minute now.” In one typical breakthrough, the electric car’s oft-lamented limited driving range has been almost [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/kIL4rlLcwaQ/
Saturday, March 24, 2012
SX: Toronto Race Day Observations
Brandon Short checks in from Toronto, the scene of tonight's Monster Energy Supercross round. Can anyone step up to challenge the champ?
Source: http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/sx-toronto-race-day-observations/
CUP: Toyotas Unleashed
Toyota drivers sweep top three starting spots in race at “home” track…
Source: http://nascar.speedtv.com/article/cup-nascar-toyotas-unleashed-at-auto-club-speedway/
Ferrari Builds a One-Off Berlinetta Boxer Homage—the SP12EC—for Eric Clapton [Updated with Video]
Captured last night by U.K.-based photographer Michael P. Sannwald at H.R. Owen Ferrari Showroom in London, the car you see here, which is clearly channeling the spirit of a 1970s Berlinetta Boxer, is said to be based on a 458 Italia. Sannwald says the staff confirmed that it is Eric Clapton’s car, and referred to [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/xhHKpXOH28I/
Button: Low-fuel pace needs improving
Jenson Button says he is 'not completely happy' with his low fuel set-up, an issue he feels is of paramount importance given the benefit pole position has on the race's outcome. As he demonstrated so emphatically in Australia, the Briton says that leading into the first corner can be key to a good race, and that securing pole position is therefore the aim for tomorrow. After losing time to an oil leak in the first practice session, and then focussing more on long runs in the second, Button says he still has a few issues on low fuel runs.
2012 Dodge Durango Special Service Photos and Info: Police, Thieves, and Big SUVs
“It’s got a cop motor . . . it’s got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks.” As Blues Brother Elwood spelled out years ago, the recipe for baking law enforcement vehicles was once a simple one: Take a given manufacturer’s largest four-door sedan, strip out the luxuries, and then beef up the engine, suspension, and [...]
Ferrari says it has confidence in Massa
Stefano Domenicali is confident that both Felipe Massa and Ferrari can find improve after troubled starts to 2012. Amid speculation over Felipe Massa's seat at the team - following poor performances in 2011 and in Australia last weekend – Domenicali said it was important to retain confidence in the Brazilian. He explained that Alonso and Massa had been on different programmes in second practice, the primary reason why they were more than a second and 10 places apart at the session's close.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Greg Biffle the points leader heads to Auto Club Speedway
Biffle’s Top-Three Streak Ends But Veteran Retains Points Lead Biffle, 13th at Bristol after running among the top 10 most of the afternoon, left Thunder Valley with a pair of successes. His 10th career Coors Light Pole puts him in field for the 2013 Shootout At Daytona. The Vancouver, Wash., driver also retains the NASCAR [...]
Source: http://thefinallap.com/2012/03/22/greg-biffle-the-points-leader-heads-to-auto-club-speedway/
2012 Ford Police Interceptor / Interceptor Utility First Drive: The Crown Vic Retires from the Force
From New York to New Orleans, cops and cabbies have more in common than a Plexiglas divider behind them: A fierce loyalty to primitive but durable rear-drive guzzlers. Keep Reading: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor / Interceptor Utility – First Drive Review
Comforts of home await Jimmie Johnson at Auto Club (Yahoo! Sports)
Wire Service Distributed by The Sports Xchange After a shaky start to the season, Jimmie Johnson is back on the brink of being one of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series front-runners. With his home track looming on the schedule, another big move isnt out of the question.
House to Vote on 9th Transpo Extension Right Before Time Runs Out
Reps. John Mica, Dave Camp, and John Duncan have formally introduced a bill that would extend federal transportation programs until June 30, without any changes to funding, policy, or gas taxes. It is officially known as H.R. 4239.
House foot-dragging on passing a transportation bill is getting repetitive. Photo: The|G|uk/flickr
The 90-day extension would be the ninth [...]
House foot-dragging on passing a transportation bill is getting repetitive. Photo: The|G|uk/flickr
The 90-day extension would be the ninth [...]
Tayler Malsam, No. 19 G-OIL® Toyota Camry Auto Club Speedway Preview
No. 19 G-Oil® Toyota Camry#19 G-OIL® Toyota Camry – Tayler Malsam Auto Club Speedway NASCAR Nationwide Series Preview Tayler Malsam and the #19 G-Oil Toyota Camry from TriStar Motorsports head to Fontana where Malsam will make his first NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) start at Auto Club Speedway in the Royal Purple 300. Now in his...more»
Vettel, Schumacher back Bahrain Grand Prix (PA SportsTicker)
Formula One world champions Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher have backed the decision to go ahead with next months grand prix in Bahrain despite ongoing political strife and threats against the race.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Denny Hamlin teaches us all to Dougie ()
Some fun awkwardness from the Bristol driver intros: Denny Hamlin, showing us all how to Dougie. Work it, white boy, work it! Im thinking the dance portion of the intros should become a mandatory component of every races pre-race extravaganza. Whod be the best with the moves, you think?
Source: http://www.nascarracinglive.com/nascar/denny-hamlin-teaches-us-all-to-dougie.html
Australia Sunday quotes: Marussia
Timo Glock - 14th: "A great race for the team and a huge reward for all the hard work and pressure over the last few months.
Jimmie Johnson’s 48 Team Points & Penalties Overturned
NATIONAL STOCK CAR RACING CHIEF APPELLATE OFFICER STATEMENT On March 20, 2012, the Chief Appellate Officer heard and considered the appeal of the penalties resulting from the #48 Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. This stemmed from an opening day inspection for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, [...]
Source: http://thefinallap.com/2012/03/20/jimmie-johnson-48-team-points-penalties-overturned/
Production Ford Tourneo Van Unveiled for Europe, Provides Clues for Larger U.S.-Market Transit
Ford has revealed the first member of its next-gen van family, the Tourneo Custom. The van (pictured above) is not the same as the Transit we’ll get here in the U.S. in 2013. That rig will be larger and rear-wheel drive; this Tourneo is smaller and front-wheel drive. The two vans aren’t completely separate, however—their [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/XZqQ99rh688/
25 Winning Years: 2004 – Roush Fenway Sweeps California in Performance for the Ages
Roush Fenway Racing "25 Years of Winning" LogoRFR has pulled the trio sweep on three occasions during in its ‘25 Winning Years’ CONCORD, N.C. (March 20, 2012) – Some say there is no more difficult feat than winning a race at the NASCAR level. The weekend of February 24-26, 2004, Roush Fenway accomplished one of the...more»
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Kyle Busch Makes Special Appearance at San Jose School
Toyota Motorsports LogoSponsafier 4 Winner Brings NASCAR Driver to School as Part of Grand Prize Package SAN JOSE, Calif. (March 21, 2012) – Earlier today Toyota NASCAR driver Kyle Busch visited Williams Elementary School to speak about NASCAR, his racing career and Toyota Racing’s Sponsafier program, as well as participate in a question and answer...more»
Toyota NASCAR Tidbits – March 19 – 25, 2012
Toyota Motorsports LogoTHREE TOP-FIVES FOR MWR: In Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race at Tennessee’s Bristol Motor Speedway, three Camry drivers finished together in the top-five for the ninth time since Toyota entered the series in 2007. Martin Truex Jr. (third), Clint Bowyer (fourth) and Brian Vickers (fifth) teamed up to earn the first...more»
Miami Toyota dealer tacks $7,000 onto price of Prius C
Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota, Earnings/Financials
A Twitter user with the handle miami4me2c discovered something interesting at a Toyota dealer in Miami and thankfully shared pictures of this unusual Prius C Two window sticker. Remember, the base Prius C starts at just $18,950, and the upgraded Two trim normally starts at $19,900. With the options that dealer Al Hendrickson has added to the car, it should cost $20,839, but then someone at the dealer added a "Market Value Adjustment," which comes in at an astonishing $6,995. Total cost for the "cheap" Prius at this particular dealer? $27,834. We agree with what you just thought: that's completely absurd.
Or is it? We called Al Hendrickson Toyota with some questions for the general manager - why so much? and are people still interested at this price? - but were asked to leave a message and have not yet heard back. But think about it. This is one of the most popular high-efficiency vehicles in the U.S. right now, selling 1,200 units in the first three days it was on sale, and Toyota is increasing production to meet demand (both here and in Japan).
We admit that the market values this car, but does it do so enough to tack on an extra 33 percent? We doubt it - especially when you can get a regular Prius Liftback or Prius V for around that much - but maybe someone down in Florida thinks so. Either way, Toyota representatives wouldn't comment and we know that dealers are independent and don't have to follow the MSRP. Still, $7,000 extra? C'mon, man.
Miami Toyota dealer tacks $7,000 onto price of Prius C originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/miami-toyota-dealer-tacks-7-000-onto-price-of-prius-c/
Denny Hamlin teaches us all to Dougie ()
Some fun awkwardness from the Bristol driver intros: Denny Hamlin, showing us all how to Dougie. Work it, white boy, work it! Im thinking the dance portion of the intros should become a mandatory component of every races pre-race extravaganza. Whod be the best with the moves, you think?
Source: http://www.nascarracinglive.com/nascar/denny-hamlin-teaches-us-all-to-dougie.html
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Priced from $106,375, Goes on Sale in May
Pricing for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 will start at $106,375 before buyers check any options boxes. For the price, however, you get a fairly well-equipped folding-hardtop convertible. The list of standard stuff includes 12-way power heated seats, a panorama sunroof built into the folding roof, Benz’s COMAND infotainment system with navigation, a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/BjwOyBCHaUE/
McLaren trusts FIA on Mercedes wing
McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale says his team will trust the FIA to take a definitive judgement on the wing system that Mercedes is operating in Formula 1 this year.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Audi R8 LMS ultra to fight for World Champion's title in 2012
AUDI Motorsport Ingolstadt, December 20, 2011 - GT1 World Championship to be held with GT3 cars in 2012 - Team WRT from Belgium is set on battling for championship - Two new Audi R8 LMS ultra cars on the grid...
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/12/audi_r8_lms_ultra_to_figh.php
Report: Baby Volkswagen CC in the works?
Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen
According to Autocar, Volkswagen may be working on a smaller version of the rakish CC
The creation of the SC comes after Volkswagen's NCC (New Concept Coupe) received lukewarm response at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Autocar reports that while consumers do want another variant of the Jetta, a two-door coupe isn't the answer. "Our research suggests there is increasingly a market for a sportier and more stylish version of the Jetta in the mould of the CC only smaller and more affordable. From the feedback we've received so far buyers want an individual bodystyle and the practicality of four doors," a source within Volkswagen told the British magazine.
A more stylish Jetta sedan would likely do battle with the new Mercedes-Benz CLC, set to debut in concept form at the Beijing Motor Show later this year. If the SC does come to market, it will likely launch in Europe sometime in 2015, right around the time the next-generation CC arrives.
Baby Volkswagen CC in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/baby-volkswagen-cc-in-the-works/
Mercedes drivers revel in W03 handling
Mercedes drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg have praised the team's new F1 W03's handling in comparison to its predecessor.
Voting for 2012 NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award
Voting for the 2012 National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) NASCAR Most Popular Driver award will officially begin March 15. The 10-week playoff format will return, with the top 10, based on votes received, competing for top accolades at season’s end. Fans can visit www.MostPopularDriver.com and vote once a day for their favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup driver. [...]
Granny Grump: Bristol, Curly Sadler, G/B Brad, JR, Jeffie And Other Stuff
Granny GrumpWell hello again loyal readers and other folks. I’m getting’ a late start to this weeks’s race report but I had a bad night with Duck. That boy had some kind of un-natural reaction to Sunday’s Cup race result for Flippin’ Carl. Now I know he truly does idolize that driver but flyin’ up...more»
Monday, March 19, 2012
Hyundai Releases Images of All-New Santa Fe [New York Auto Show]
The next product to be revisited or replaced by Hyundai is the Santa Fe. These images preview the third-generation crossover, which will be shown in New York next month. Hyundai says it has developed a new design concept for the vehicle called “Storm Edge,” which is supposed to capture the images created by nature during [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/WSls0LPh71k/
Fourteenth for the No. 14 at Bristol
2012 NSCS 14 car - Office Depot (Tony Stewart) - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCARStewart, Office Depot/Mobil 1 Team Tough Out Solid Finish in Food City 500 Date: March 18, 2012 Event: Food City 500 (Round 4 of 36) Series: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Location: Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway (.533-mile oval) Start/Finish: 23rd/14th...more»
Drivers speak out against data sharing
A number of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have voiced their concern about the governing body's intention of making some of their telemetry data available to competitors. The introduction of Electronic Fuel Injection in NASCAR's top series has given teams the ability to have data acquisition on race weekends, a novelty in the Sprint Cup garage, as before they were only allowed to do so in test sessions
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/nascar-news/nascar/drivers-speak-out-against-data-sharing
Brad Keselowski Wins Bristol’s Food City 500: A Fan’s Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
After becoming a Twitter sensation after tweeting a photo of a burning jet dryer during the Daytona 500, Brad Keselowski has now gotten his first victory of the season. After battling back and forth, Keselowski held off Matt Kenseth in the final laps of the Food City 500 at...
Engage Facebook Striptease: 2013 Nissan Altima Video Released [Updated x2]
Update: Nissan has released a third teaser video of the 2013 Altima. The new clip (embedded below) shows the car’s left taillight and part of the trunklid. Yes, we will eventually see the entire car. The sheet has been pulled from the 2013 Nissan Altima—well, in a brief teaser video first posted on Facebook, anyway. [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/9VCeyiJ5JiI/
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Brawn adamant Merc rear wing is legal
Ross Brawn hopes that the Australian Grand Prix does not get overshadowed by a protest over his Mercedes team's rear wing - as he remains adamant there is nothing illegal about it.
Pic optimistic he will qualify for race
Charles Pic is optimistic he will be able to qualify for the Australian Grand Prix despite the lack of significant running on Friday. The Marussia driver, making his grand prix debut this weekend, finished nearly 13 seconds off the pace in the morning and over 5.5 in the afternoon. The cut-off time is expected to be around 1m31s on Saturday if qualifying is dry.
Vettel not panicking over RB8 form
Sebastian Vettel insists there is no need for panic about Red Bull Racing's situation, despite its disappointing qualifying performance at the Australian Grand Prix. The world champion had headed into the weekend as favourite to carry over his dominant form from last season - but in the end found himself down in sixth on the grid. But although the situation is far from ideal, Vettel thinks that it is far too early to feel that his Red Bull Racing team needs to do anything different from what it has in the past
Sebring: Audi 1-2-3 after first hour
Allan McNish led an Audi one-two-three by just over 38 seconds on the one-hour mark of the Sebring 12 Hours, the opening round of the new FIA World Endurance Championship. McNish, who is sharing the #2 Audi R18 TDI with Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello, led the early going before pitting during the first safety-car period.
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/sebring-audi-1-2-3-after-first-hour
Mikkelsen takes early lead in Spain
Andreas Mikkelsen opened up a narrow lead over Jan Kopecky during the first three stages of Rally Islas Canarias - round two of the 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Although Mikkelsen (Skoda UK) had been sceptical about his chances of taking a fourth straight IRC victory as he has never won on asphalt so far, he was fractionally quickest on every stage so far this morning and pulled out a 3.6-second lead over Skoda Motorsport's Kopecky.
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/mikkelsen-takes-early-lead-in-spain
Massa: Ferrari must focus on victory
Felipe Massa has urged Ferrari to fight as if it is competing for victory in this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, even if that proves beyond the capabilities of its 2012 car.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Mike Conway signs with AJ Foyt Racing for the 2012 Indy Car season
AJ Foyt Racing Mike Conway London, UK - Tuesday 20th December 2011 Long Beach Grand Prix winner Mike Conway has signed with AJ Foyt Racing to drive the No. 14 ABC Supply Honda in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series....
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/12/mike_conway_signs_with_aj.php
Raikkonen: Steering issues not gone
Kimi Raikkonen fears it may take some time for Lotus to deliver a total fix to his power steering problems, after further issues with it hampered his opening day of running at the Australian Grand Prix. The Lotus driver only completed eight laps in first practice while the team made alterations to the power steering because the Finn was not happy with the way it originally felt. It is understood Raikkonen is seeking to get more precision from the steering, and solutions implemented by his Enstone-based outfit so far have not been successful
Why the 12 Hours of Sebring Still Matters: Innovation
Racing fans likely have heard about the penalties NASCAR levied on the Hendrick Motorsports team of driver Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus, stemming from a car brought to the Daytona 500. Supposedly—despite the insistence from Hendrick that the car had passed inspection in 2011 with no issues—the covers for the C-pillars were too [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/c_6wbUv5-EA/
Friday, March 16, 2012
Enzo Ferrari Birthplace Museum Opens in Modena
A new museum located at the birthplace and childhood home of Ferrari’s founder, Enzo Ferrari, recently opened in the Italian village of Modena. In slight contrast to the Ferrari museum located near the gates of the storied brand’s Maranello headquarters, this one focuses on celebrating the life of the mercurial industrialist as well as the [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/OqlijaWKt5c/
Lambo Releases Pseudo “Making of” Video Clip for the Aventador Jota
Supercars are the quickest and often the most beautiful automotive creations on earth, which is why we love them so much. Whether such beasts are being built in some quantity or limited to just one, hyper-rare specimen, to reach the outer limits of what four-wheel transport is capable of requires careful, diligent engineering. Wouldn’t you [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/jXBZ6sVL9KU/
Marussia backs budget cap revival
Marussia chiefs have backed Bernie Ecclestone's idea of returning to the concept of a budget cap in Formula 1 - but they think a move to customer cars would be a step too far. With the then Virgin team having originally entered F1 under budget cap rules, it has found its chances of making progress hampered by the high costs still so prevalent in the sport
SEB, WEB AND SEB RED BULL RACING'S 2012 DRIVER LINE-UP
Red Bull Racing Thursday 5 January 2012 Red Bull Racing is pleased to confirm that Sébastien Buemi will continue his relationship with Red Bull as Red Bull Racing's test and reserve driver for 2012. The 23-year-old joins Sebastian Vettel and...
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2012/01/seb_web_and_seb_red_bull.php
Trevor Bayne, No. 60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Mustang Bristol Motor Speedway Preview
Trevor Bayne - Photo Credit: John Harrelson / Getty Images for NASCARTREVOR BAYNE Race: Ford EcoBoost 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway (.533-mile oval) Team: No. 60 Roush Fenway Ford Crew Chief: Chad Norris Chassis: RK-638-Last ran at Texas, November 2011, Finished third w/Carl Edwards Broadcast Information: Saturday, March 17, 2012- 1:00 p.m. (ET) ESPN and...more»
Open Thread: The Volvo Pedestrian Airbag
I am ambivalent about the Volvo pedestrian airbag, as seen via Laughing Squid. On one hand, it seems like another way for automakers to help people shirk responsibility for how they drive. Plus, as currently designed, it looks like it’s intended to minimize windshield damage as much as anything.
On the other hand, it is a [...]
On the other hand, it is a [...]
Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2012/03/13/open-thread-the-volvo-pedestrian-airbag/
Thursday, March 15, 2012
After 30 Years of Federal Support for Transit, Battle Lines are Redrawn
Add Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff to the list of people saying that it’s premature to declare victory over the House’s attempts to cast transit into the abyss. Rogoff knows a thing or two about transportation bills: He was an aide on the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee for 20 years, during which time the federal [...]
Tincknell ends Rockingham test on top
Harry Tincknell emerged on top of the second and final day of this week's British Formula 3 International Series test at Rockingham. The Devonian, entering his second season in the series, became the fourth Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen driver to top one of the four days of official pre-season tests run so far. Tincknell, who was sidelined for three months in the winter due to a hand injury sustained in a testing shunt at Spa, set his best time in the morning session.
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/tincknell-ends-rockingham-test-on-top
BMW Updating 7-series for 2013, ActiveHybrid 7 to Get Improvements
We’ve learned that BMW is updating the 7-series for 2013, and that the refreshed sedan will go on sale in July. For now, the company is keeping a tight lid on what changes we can expect besides the typical midcycle styling nip and tuck—revised lights and fascias are a given. Although BMW wouldn’t comment on [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/TQ_OjGwF4fI/
Charlotte Show
The fifth round on the inRacingNews Challenge schedule unfolded on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 12 turn, 2.25 mile road course. While sports car racing might be the last thing that you’d expect from a track renowned for its stock car events, the Pontiac Solstice and SpecRacer Fords of the iRNC have never failed to put on a good show here. Now, with the Mazda MX-5 Roadsters added to the mix, the three-class series was bound to put on even more of a show in its lone visit to the Tarheel State in 2012 Season 1. In Mazda, Daniel Schon put on the week’s best showing, scoring 161 points on the strength of a win from the pole in his lone start. Mogar DG Filho put on an even better show in [...]
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/iracing-news/charlotte-show
Lotus: Chassis fault was a ‘setback’
Lotus technical director James Allison has admitted the chassis fault that caused the team to withdraw from the first Barcelona test - and effectively cost it four days of running at the Spanish track – was a serious blow to its preparations ahead of the Melbourne season opener this weekend. Romain Grosjean had completed just seven laps of running during the first Barcelona test when a problem was discovered with the mounting of the upper front wishbone rear arm – forcing the team to return to the factory to revise the part
Blue Oval vs. Bowtie at the Diamond in the Desert
Blue Oval vs. Bowtie at the Diamond in the Desert Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards have won eight of the last nine races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Chevrolet’s Johnson winning half of those and Ford’s Edwards and Kenseth joining former Roush Fenway Racing teammate Jeff Burton as the only other drivers [...]
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Official: Perana Z-One resurfaces with AC badge as 378 GT Zagato
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, MISC
We haven't heard much about Perana in quite some time, but not nearly as long as it's been since the name AC last came up on our radar screen. The progenitor of the iconic Shelby Cobra, AC Cars is one of those great many British sportscar manufacturers that has long since disappeared into obscurity. There has been talk here and there of reviving the marque with a new model, but none of that seems to have materialized. Until now. Sort of.
Perana, as you may recall, is (or was) the name of an upstart automaker producing a devastatingly beautiful sportscar called the Z-One penned by no less accomplished a design house than Zagato. Now, the design (or, at least, what appears to be the same design) has resurfaced under the AC badge.
Called the 378 GT Zagato, the AC-ified Z-One is apparently being produced on the same line in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where the Perana was, and where, incidentally, some Noble models are, as well. The numeric nameplate is taken from the cubic-inch displacement of the 6.2-liter V8 engine.
It's certainly not the first time Zagato has designed for an established British marque, the production version of the V12 Zagato it designed for Aston Martin having been unveiled as this one was being announced at the other end of the Geneva Palexpo. AC and Zagato also collaborated on a one-off Bristol variant back in 1957, a model that is scheduled to be showcased alongside the new 378 GT at Pebble Beach later this year where AC will be the featured marque two years after the Z-One made its U.S. debut on the very same manicured lawns.
That's not where the collaboration is expected to end, however, as a roadster based on the same platform but featuring more Cobra-like bodywork is next in the pipeline. We're not sure where that leaves Perana, but we'll be watching to see where this goes. In the meantime you can see the full press release and spec sheet below, with high-res images (including some deliciously retro color schemes) in the gallery above.
Continue reading Perana Z-One resurfaces with AC badge as 378 GT Zagato
Perana Z-One resurfaces with AC badge as 378 GT Zagato originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/perana-z-one-resurfaces-with-ac-badge-as-378-gt-zagato/
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