Saturday, June 30, 2012
Aaron Robinson: What Happens When You Rent Your Car (and Yourself) to a TV Show
The call sheet from the television studio wanted me on location by 10:00 a.m., with filming expected to go past midnight. Everyone I know who has rented their personal car to a film production warned me to bring a book. They were very specific: not a magazine, not a newspaper. Tolstoy is good, they said. [...]
Kobayashi aims for ‘special’ result
Kamui Kobayashi believes he can achieve "something special" in the British Grand Prix despite heading into the event with a five-place grid penalty. The Sauber driver was given the punishment for colliding with Felipe Massa's Ferrari in Valencia last weekend.
Exclusive: From Prague to Mongolia in an abused Renault Kangoo
Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Minivan/Van, Etc., Europe, Renault
If you haven't heard of the Mongol Rally, we suggest you acquaint yourself. The charity event starts in Europe and ends in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Unlike most rallies, there is no defined route or support staff. Participants must simply survive long enough to make it to the finish line in one piece. That would be challenging enough in a well-equipped off roader like a Nissan Patrol or Toyota Hilux, but those who take up the challenge must do so in either a vehicle with an engine displacing no more than 1.2 liters or an emergency services vehicle like an ambulance or fire truck.
At the end of the rally, the surviving vehicles are either auctioned or donated to cash-strapped local organizations. This year, New Yorkers Ota Ulc and Nick Jarret have partnered with Prague local Karel Vancura in an attempt to trace the 10,000 miles from Prague to Mongolia in a Renault Kangoo. The "Last Rat to Mongolia" team bought their car sight-unseen and have outfitted the quirky little van for the trek with the help of a local mechanic. Skid plates, rally lights, a roof rack and a gaggle of jerry cans are all part of the plan.
A total of 300 teams will attempt the continental crossing, each supporting their own charities along the way. The Last Rats are raising funds for UNICEF and Lotus Children's Centre Charitable Trust. You can follow their progress on Facebook or at the Mongol Rally site, and can kick them a couple of bucks via the team's JustGiving site. What else are you going to use the money for? Another coffee?
From Prague to Mongolia in an abused Renault Kangoo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/from-prague-to-mongolia-in-an-abused-renault-kangoo/
Kovalainen fired-up by Caterham gains
Heikki Kovalainen says the British Grand Prix cannot come soon enough, with the latest batch of Caterham upgrades set to deliver another step forward in performance. The Hingham-based team enjoyed one of its most competitive Formula 1 weekends yet in Valencia as new parts helped Kovalainen make it through to Q2 on merit
Big names added to FOTA forum
Frank Williams, Ross Brawn, Pastor Maldonado and Martin Whitmarsh are among the panel of guests who are now confirmed for next week's FOTA Fans' Forum at the Williams factory. The event, which takes place at the Conference Centre at Grove on Tuesday, will also feature appearances on a 'Legends' Panel' with Patrick Head and John Watson in attendance. The FOTA Fans' events offer a chance for followers of the sport to ask question to some of F1's biggest names - with those lucky enough to get tickets for the Williams event being given the added bonus of being able to view the team's famous museum as well.
Red Bull drops Williamson for de Costa
Red Bull has announced that it has dropped Lewis Williamson from its junior programme, replacing the Scot with GP3 racer Antonio Felix da Costa. Williamson was only 5 races into his career as a fully-fledged Red Bull Junior, after first becoming involved with the energy drinks firm on the eve of his GP3 campaign in 2011. He was brought into the scheme fully for 2012, and placed into Formula Renault 3.5 with category newcomer Arden Caterham
Name That Shifter, No. 82: 1989 BMW Z1
On Monday we presented this week’s shifter and asked you to identify the make and model of the vehicle from whence it came. The shift knob pictured to the left clearly was familiar to most of you who accurately pointed out that it is a BMW unit. However, no one figured out that it is [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/fTX0D3M6a5k/
GRAND-AM: GAINSCO Quickest On Friday At The Glen
Alex Gurney tops time charts in Practice 3, quickest on the day at Watkins Glen...
Source: http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/grand-am-gainsco-quickest-on-friday-at-the-glen/
VW to run only two cars in 2013 WRC
Volkswagen Motorsport director Jost Capito has confirmed that the German manufacturer will start next season's World Rally Championship with just two factory Polo R WRCs. Capito's predecessor Kris Nissen had spoken of running as many as five Polos through 2013, to incorporate the firm's junior drivers Andreas Mikkelsen, Kevin Abbring and Sepp Wiegand. Now, however, Capito says the number of seats will be slashed.
Ford Adds New Range-Topping Limited Trim Level to 2013 F-150 Lineup
Ford has been continuously updating the F-150 pickup over the past few years with new engines and models, and has given the truck a mild refresh for 2013 as well as this new Limited model. The Limited trim level supplants the King Ranch and Platinum models at the top of the F-150 range. (The luxurious [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/z0XK4oiE2Gw/
Friday, June 29, 2012
GM Preps for Wireless Charging Tech by Filing to Trademark Dockspot
General Motors is readying the launch of in-car technology that can charge cell phones and other mobile electronics without the use of wires, and we think it’ll be called Dockspot. The company filed to trademark the name last week with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Read full story »
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/MivRZv0nTrM/
Marussia to bring first major upgrade
Marussia is optimistic that it will be able to deliver an immediate upturn in performance in next weekend's British Grand Prix when it introduces what it describes as its first proper upgrade package since adopting windtunnel technology. Team boss John Booth said he was pleased both that the car was likely to get more competitive, and that Marussia was proving it could deliver substantial updates. Last year the team split with original design partner Wirth Research and commenced a new technical collaboration with McLaren, and ended its all-CFD approach and began to use windtunnels for the first time
2012 NSCS Quaker State 400 Q&A with Ford Racing Driver Carl Edwards
Carl Edwards Cockpit - Photo Credit: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCARCarl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 UPS Ford Fusion, met with media members after the first practice session Friday afternoon at Kentucky Speedway. CARL EDWARDS, No. 99 UPS Ford Fusion – TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO TRY TO DO HERE THIS WEEKEND AT...more»
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2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Features Beadlock-Capable Wheels, HID Headlights
The F-150 lineup is getting a mild refresh for 2013, and Ford has announced some running upgrades are headed to the off-road-ready SVT Raptor variant as well. Unlike the regular F-150, the 2013 Raptor’s changes pretty much start and end with a rash of new standard and available features. Buyers now can spec their SVT [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/x_ilgo1YNOo/
BMW thrilled with DTM comeback form
The man behind Bruno Spengler's surprise push for the 2012 DTM title says that BMW's superb early-season form has left the manufacturer very satisfied with its comeback season in the championship. Charly Lamm, whose Schnitzer Motorsport outfit ran Spengler to a victory in only the manufacturer's second race back in the series since 1992, said that expectations have been raised in the races that have followed. "If someone had told us a few months ago we would have a win, a second place and a pole position to our name after just four races, I would have told them they were mad," said the veteran team boss
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/miscellaneous/dtm/bmw-thrilled-with-dtm-comeback-form
LeMons Good/Bad Idea of the Week: Twin-Turbo Taxi!
The Ford Crown Victoria has proven itself to be one of the most reliable cars in 24 Hours of LeMons racing. The Crown Vic handles well, it comes from the factory with big brakes that rarely melt down under the rigors of road racing, and the Ford Modular 4.6 V-8 engine is just about impossible [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/03NRkqBiJI0/
2012 NCWTS UNOH 225 Race Results
James Buescher, driver of the #31 Exide Batteries Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway on June 28, 2012 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)James Buescher became the first two-time winner in the 2012 NCWTS season, as he wins the UNOH...more»
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Related Stories:- 2012 NCWTS UNOH 225 Starting Lineup
- 2012 NCWTS UNOH 225 Final Practice Session Speeds
- 2012 NCWTS UNOH 225 First Practice Session Speeds
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Official: Updated McLaren MP4-12C to debut at Goodwood
Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, UK, Celebrities, Luxury, MISC
McLaren has announced that it will debut the 2013 MP4-12C at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. Jenson Button will whip a production prototype version of the machine up Goodwood Hill on June 30. McLaren has nudged final output from 593 horsepower to 616, and revised the throttle and shift mechanisms for better response. Designers have also thrown in a few more color and interior options. Buyers may now slather their MP4-12C in Volcano Yellow, and the cabin can be trimmed in perforated leather and Alcantara. The 2013 model will also be available with a new diamond cut wheel finish.
In addition to pitting the new model against the hill, McLaren will display the 2013 MP4-12C in the Goodwood Supercar Paddock so fans can get a closer look.
The company will also show off its new 12C GT3 race car, complete with a Union Jack livery, as seen in the image gallery above. Check out the full press release below.
Continue reading Updated McLaren MP4-12C to debut at Goodwood
Updated McLaren MP4-12C to debut at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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2012 NCWTS UNOH 225 Race Results
James Buescher, driver of the #31 Exide Batteries Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway on June 28, 2012 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)James Buescher became the first two-time winner in the 2012 NCWTS season, as he wins the UNOH...more»
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Related Stories:- 2012 NCWTS UNOH 225 Starting Lineup
- 2012 NCWTS UNOH 225 Final Practice Session Speeds
- 2012 NCWTS UNOH 225 First Practice Session Speeds
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Thursday, June 28, 2012
Stoner: New chassis harder to ride
Casey Stoner says the new chassis Honda brought to Assen in the hope of reducing its chatter problem has made the bike more difficult to handle. Honda has been struggling to find a solution to its chatter troubles all season, and the situation became worse when Bridgestone recently introduced a new specification of tyre.
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/motorcycles/motogp/stoner-new-chassis-harder-to-ride
Glock fit for British Grand Prix
Timo Glock will be fit to return to action for Marussia at the British Grand Prix, after he was forced to withdraw from the European GP on medical grounds last weekend. The German driver suffered from an intestinal infection in Valencia and, after skipping qualifying to try and help him get fit for the race, he had to miss the grand prix too. After returning home to recuperate, Glock is hoping to be able to resume full training later this week - and will be ready to drive again at next month's British Grand Prix
Official: Ford working on automatic "do not disturb" function to combat driver distraction
Filed under: Safety, Technology, Ford
Ford has been ahead of the curve when it comes to driver distraction - in both inviting potential sources of distraction into the car and then offering technological solutions to help keep drivers focused on the road. Ford's Sync and MyFord Touch systems are happy to make phone calls, play music from your phone, run smartphone apps, read text messages aloud, and allows you to manage almost all of it via voice activation.
However, as industry-leading as Sync's functionality may be, it's come under scrutiny from some safety researchers who insist that all such technology, even when it's voice-activated, is distracting. Ford certainly doesn't want its competitive advantage undermined, and with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration kicking around recommendations to combat distracted driving, proposed rules that could render navigation systems useless, the topic is certainly a hot one.
So that brings us to today's press release, in which Ford touts its research into what it's calling a "driver workload estimator." That five-dollar phrase is a convoluted way of saying the automaker is trying to figure out how to make its cars automatically block some of the functionality of Sync and MyFord Touch, especially incoming phone calls or text messages. Of course, Ford does not want this automatic activation of the do-not-disturb feature that's already part of MyFord Touch to make customers any more frustrated with the system than they already are. Thus the desire to incorporate biometric feedback into the system.
Ford says it can gather temperature, heart rate, and respiration through a special experimental steering wheel and seat belt. The car's computer could then use this information to augment data already coming from the rest of the vehicle to determine if it's not a good time to notify the driver that, say, her sister just accidentally butt-called her from the bar. While you could make the case that it's really never a good time for such a call, Ford is more concerned with keeping the phone from ringing when you're trying to merge into heavy freeway traffic.
And when might you be able to purchase such electronic wizardry? No time soon. We talked to Jeff Greenberg, Senior Technical Leader at Ford Research, and he told us that the company has no current production plans for the technology, as it's concerned about how customers will react to it. "We do have a lot to learn about what customers will accept," he said. Scroll down to read the full press release.
Continue reading Ford working on automatic "do not disturb" function to combat driver distraction
Ford working on automatic "do not disturb" function to combat driver distraction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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2014 Chevy Tahoe / GMC Yukon Spied: Next Generation of GM’s Golden Geese
What It Is: A next-generation Chevrolet Tahoe (or GMC Yukon—it’s nearly impossible to tell the two apart without badging or visible grillework) wrapped in a parka. Despite the blacked-out oval badge on the front end, it definitely is not a Ford, although this prototype was spied running with an Expedition as well as a Toyota [...]
Chasing Perfection: 1000 Miles in the McLaren MP4-12C
People who don’t own supercars and have never driven one often wonder why owners don’t rack up tens of thousands of miles on them each year. We’ll agree, to an extent, that the defenses for not doing so sound an awful lot like whining. Too much traffic on your commute? Buy a new commute. Clearly [...]
Driver Matt Kenseth Talks About His Move From Roush Fenway on ‘NASCAR Race Hub’
SPEED LogoDriver Matt Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, joined host Steve Byrnes and NASCAR Race Hub on SPEED tonight following yesterday’s announcement that he’s slated to leave Roush Fenway Racing at the end of the 2012 season. Kenseth, who’s also the current point’s leader, talked about the move, what the rest of...more»
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Piquet claims maiden Nationwide win
Nelson Piquet claimed his maiden NASCAR Nationwide Series win in commanding fashion at Road America on Saturday, while Danica Patrick enjoyed her best showing in NASCAR to date. Brazilian Piquet, driving for Turner Motorsports, became only the fourth foreign driver to win in the second-tier series after starting from pole, following the right strategy and producing some clean overtaking moves while powering his way back to the front of the field after an early stop for fuel
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/nascar-news/nascar/piquet-claims-maiden-nationwide-win
Raikkonen: Second not what I wanted
Kimi Raikkonen declared himself unmoved by second place in the European Grand Prix as he felt Lotus should have had the pace to win. The Finn battled past Lewis Hamilton's McLaren late on to secure second behind relatively comfortable winner Fernando Alonso's Ferrari. Lotus had been tipped as the pre-race favourite for victory given its form this year at similar tracks and in comparable weather conditions to those experienced in Valencia, but while Raikkonen's team-mate Romain Grosjean was pushing Alonso hard before retiring, the 2007 Formula 1 champion did not look like a threat for the win.
BTCC: Penalties will raise standards
British Touring Car boss Alan Gow is hoping the penalties being handed out will improve driving standards in the series.
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/touring-cars/btcc/btcc-penalties-will-raise-standards
Binder On Fire at Oxford Plains
Racing into Week 8, defending iRacing.com Sprint Car Series champion Alan Binder had stretched his lead in the points chase to 21 over Pro/WC driver Vinnie Sansone. At Oxford Plains Speedway, one of Binder’s favorite tracks, he proved that he had more to show than a win or two. While numerous drivers were learning how to take the track’s tricky open turns and doughnut-shaped structure, Binder was priming to make this week one for the books. 60 sim-racers took to Oxford this past week ready to churn laps less than 15 seconds long. In the first qualifying session of the week, Binder set a new iRacing world record by becoming the first driver to blaze a lap time at Oxford in less than 14 seconds, etching a 13.993s in the [...]
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/iracing-news/binder-on-fire-at-oxford-plains
Sam’s Club, Member’s Mark Angus Beef and Castlewood Reserve to Sponsor No. 6 Ford Mustang For Three Races in 2012
Roush Fenway Racing "25 Years of Winning" LogoConcord, N.C. (June 27, 2012) – Sam’s Club and its Member’s Mark Angus Beef and Castlewood Reserve brands will serve as the primary sponsor for three races during 2012 Nationwide season for the reigning 2011 NASCAR Nationwide champion, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and his No. 6 team. Sam’s Club...more»
The post Sam’s Club, Member’s Mark Angus Beef and Castlewood Reserve to Sponsor No. 6 Ford Mustang For Three Races in 2012 appeared first on Catchfence.
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Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Toyota and Gazoo Racing Twincharge a GT 86 for Goodwood
If there’s been one complaint levied against the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BRZ, it’s that their 2.0-liter boxer engine produces just 200 hp. The complaint was levied against Toyota again when it and Gazoo Racing—Toyota’s partner in sports car racing—entered the GT 86 in the 24 Hours Nürburgring. Prior to this weekend’s Goodwood Festival [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/sB_AaSZ4rLg/
Jeff Gordon Heads Home, Hopes For Road Course Win
Gordon: Road Course Racing Changes For The Better Jeff Gordon is a five-time Sonoma winner but that doesn’t mean he’s got the keys to the Northern California course in his pocket. Far from it. Gordon last won in 2006 – the season before the current NASCAR Sprint Cup chassis was introduced. The new car has [...]
Source: http://thefinallap.com/2012/06/22/jeff-gordon-heads-home-hopes-for-road-course-win/
Report: CAFE standards upheld by U.S. appeals court
Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal
No dice, partner.
Federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for 2012-16 were upheld this week by a U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., quashing efforts by certain industries and a number of states to overturn the mandate, The Detroit News reports.
The standards, which have been backed by the Obama Administration, require fleetwide fuel economy to reach 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016. The mandate, made in part to address evidence of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions, has been backed by most major automakers, including Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.
The Obama Administration is expected later this year to settle on CAFE standards proposed last year for 2025. That mandate requires a 54.5-miles-per-gallon CAFE standard, which equals about 40 miles per gallon in real-world terms.
Fleetwide new-car averages neared all-time highs of about 23 miles per gallon earlier this year, though they have fallen slightly during the past couple of months as gas prices have dropped.
CAFE standards upheld by U.S. appeals court originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/cafe-standards-upheld-by-u-s-appeals-court/
NASCAR drivers divided on proposed Bristol changes
If Bristol Motor Speedway goes back to its rough-and-tumble roots before NASCAR returns in August, the drivers say theyll be ready for it.
Source: http://www.nascarracinglive.com/nascar/nascar-drivers-divided-on-proposed-bristol-changes.html
Despite Media Posturing, Liu’s Bike-Share Report Mostly Calls for Safer Streets
When bike-share launches next month, eventually adding 10,000 public bicycles to the streets of New York City, it won’t bring new chaos and peril to city streets, contrary to recent statements from Comptroller John Liu. Even so, with the number of cyclists set to increase dramatically, the launch of bike-share is a good opportunity for [...]
Klien to make Superstars debut
Former grand prix driver Christian Klien will make his debut in the Superstars series at the Hungaroring this weekend. The Austrian will join the Swiss team for the event, driving a Maserati Quattroporte. Swiss won the 2011 Superstars title with Andrea Bertolini and has had drivers like Mika Salo, Christian Fittipaldi and Johnny Herbert in its line-up this year
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/klien-to-make-superstars-debut
Name That Exhaust Note, Episode 141
Hit play for an audio recording of a mystery car’s exhaust note, and then share your guesses or get a few hints from other visitors in the comments below. Be sure to check back on Thursday for the answer!
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/jP2-sA5ih4w/
Webber: Qualifying issues a big hit
Mark Webber described the DRS problem that wrecked his European Grand Prix qualifying session as a "big hit" for his championship chances. The Red Bull driver will start only 19th in Valencia due to the issue.
2013 GMC Terrain Denali 3.6 First Drive: Heading for the Mountains, and More V6 Power
There’s not a whole lot you can do to change the look of a cardboard box, but that won’t deter a resourceful kid. He’ll grab a handful of Sharpies and liberate a few cushions from the sofa, and before you know it—voilà—he’s turned a discarded appliance container into a sophisticated motorcar. GMC apparently followed that [...]
C/D Video: Failed Sobriety Tests, Texting while Motorcycling, and More
It’s a new week, which means a new episode of The Full Hoon. In this week’s clip, a convenience store becomes, er, a drive-thru; a backflip-attempting drunk fails miserably; and a motorcyclist defies death while texting. Check out the episode below.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/OI__46w0LKs/
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
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Ford Adds New Range-Topping Limited Trim Level to 2013 F-150 Lineup
Ford has been continuously updating the F-150 pickup over the past few years with new engines and models, and has given the truck a mild refresh for 2013 as well as this new Limited model. The Limited trim level supplants the King Ranch and Platinum models at the top of the F-150 range. (The luxurious [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/z0XK4oiE2Gw/
Kyle Busch a Thoroughbred at Kentucky
No. 18 M&M's Red White & Blue Toyota Camry (Kyle Busch)HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (June 26, 2012) – Kyle Busch is the only driver to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in the history of Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. Of course, in reality, there’s only been one Sprint Cup race ever contested at the 1.5-mile oval...more»
The post Kyle Busch a Thoroughbred at Kentucky appeared first on Catchfence.
Related Stories:- Kyle Busch – No Sleep till Brooklyn
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Maldonado penalised for collision
Pastor Maldonado has been given a post-race drive-through penalty for his collision with Lewis Hamilton during the European Grand Prix. The Venezuelan made contact with the McLaren driver on the final lap when trying to take third place away from the Briton. Hamilton had to retire from the race while Maldonado went on to finish in 10th position.
Schumacher disappointed with himself
Michael Schumacher says he only has himself to blame for missing out on the top 10 in qualifying for the European Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion was just 0.281 seconds off the fastest time in Q2, but the competitive nature of the field meant that was only good enough for 12th on the grid
The 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans in Pictures
The 80th running of the Le Mans 24-hour was another great one, and definitely the place for a racing enthusiast to be this past weekend. It didn’t provide a nail-biting finish like last year’s race, where a victorious Audi R18 finished just ahead of three Peugeot 908 racers. This time around, the Toyota TS030 Hybrid [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/poUO7LH5DJE/
Vincent and Hastings win at Spa
Nineteen members of the Red Sox Racing League traveled to Francorchamps, Belgium for the “Armco Crash Barriers Presents Circuit De Spa 30″at the world famous Circuit De Spa-Francorchamps road course of the seventh race in the 2012 Season Two schedule. The track’s modern configuration offers a scenic 4.35 mile layout containing nineteen corners. Home to more than 40 Grands Prix, an annual 24 hours endurance race, and the Fun Cup’s 25 Hours of Spa, the twisting and hilly track is one of the most technically challenging circuits in the world. Brad Vincent, leader of the Class A HPD championship points race, arrived in Belgium with an impressive six race winning streak and confident his success would continue at Spa. Corey Hastings, leader of the Class B Corvette championship points race, [...]
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/iracing-news/vincent-and-hastings-win-at-spa
2013 Mini Clubvan Official Photos and Info: Toting Eclipse of the Heart
Imagine you’re a Sweet 16 princess, and your flotilla of cupcakes shows up in the back of a Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, or something equally boxy and dumb. The shame! We can hardly blame you for that epic meltdown. Cry no longer: Mini has revealed its production Clubvan (it first bowed as a concept at [...]
HAYDEN INJURED IN TRAINING ACCIDENT
DUCATI HAYDEN INJURED IN TRAINING ACCIDENT Thursday Dec 29 2011 Nicky Hayden's winter vacation was marred on Tuesday, December 27, when he broke his left scapula and fractured two ribs while training near his home in Owensboro, Kentucky. Hayden was...
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/12/hayden_injured_in_trainin.php
Tesla Model S EPA-Rated for 89 MPGe, 265-Mile Range with Biggest Battery
The EPA has gathered test-cycle economy figures for the 2012 Tesla Model S electric sedan, including MPGe and expected driving range. The EPA has rated the sedan at 89 MPGe combined, lower than the Nissan Leaf’s 99 MPGe, the Ford Focus Electric’s 105 MPGe, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV‘s 112 MPGe, and the Honda Fit EV’s stellar [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/OJnXcHDqFpQ/
RBR takes comfort from Vettel’s pace
Red Bull Racing says it takes some 'comfort' from the way in which Sebastian Vettel dominated the early stages of the European Grand Prix - even though he eventually failed to finish the race.
Glock allowed to race by stewards
Timo Glock will be allowed to start the European Grand Prix if he is passed fit by Formula 1 medical delegate on Sunday morning, despite not taking part in qualifying.
This Week: Bike-Share Demonstrations, Taxi Forum
It’s a light week on the calendar, with a forum on taxis and livery cabs and more DOT bike-share demonstrations, including a session at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, where NIMBYs want to keep cyclists out.
Tuesday: Baruch College hosts a legislative forum entitled “Taxi & Livery Issues of Today & Tomorrow,” featuring state reps Marty Golden and [...]
Tuesday: Baruch College hosts a legislative forum entitled “Taxi & Livery Issues of Today & Tomorrow,” featuring state reps Marty Golden and [...]
Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2012/06/25/this-week-bike-share-demonstrations-taxi-forum/
Monday, June 25, 2012
Hamilton summoned by stewards
Lewis Hamilton has been called to see the stewards at the European Grand Prix after rival Nico Rosberg was left fuming that he had been blocked on his final run in qualifying. Rosberg found his last run of Q3 compromised when he was held up behind Hamilton - who had been driving slowly in the final sector of the lap to try and build himself a good buffer to the cars ahead of him.
Raikkonen: Second not what I wanted
Kimi Raikkonen declared himself unmoved by second place in the European Grand Prix as he felt Lotus should have had the pace to win. The Finn battled past Lewis Hamilton's McLaren late on to secure second behind relatively comfortable winner Fernando Alonso's Ferrari. Lotus had been tipped as the pre-race favourite for victory given its form this year at similar tracks and in comparable weather conditions to those experienced in Valencia, but while Raikkonen's team-mate Romain Grosjean was pushing Alonso hard before retiring, the 2007 Formula 1 champion did not look like a threat for the win.
Domenicali: Ferrari still needs progress
Ferrari still cannot be satisfied with the job it is doing in Formula 1 this year, despite Fernando Alonso's sensational victory in the European Grand Prix that has helped him edge clear in the championship fight. That is the view of Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali, who believes the fact that the Valencia triumph owed more to his driver's stunning efforts to charge through the field than having a dominant car needs to be taken as a sign that things still need to improve at Maranello.
Column: For Junior Nation, Earnhardt’s Win IS A National Holiday
June 18, 2012: Commentary By Reid Spencer NASCAR Wire Service As Dale Earnhardt Jr. streaked toward his first NASCAR Sprint Cup victory in four years, the foremost star of another sport was walking a path of abject failure. When Earnhardt took the checkered flag in Sunday’s Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway, Tiger Woods [...]
Source: http://thefinallap.com/2012/06/18/column-for-junior-nation-earnhardts-win-is-a-national-holiday/
Winchester Woes Halt Frank Kimmel’s Top Ten Streak
Frank KimmelWinchester, IN. (June 24, 2012) - No other driver had matched Frank Kimmel’s career performance at Winchester coming into this weekend’s Herr’s Chase the Taste 200. Despite his incredible track record, Kimmel’s streak of six consecutive top ten finishes in 2012 came to an end at one of his most productive venues. Kimmel had...more»
The post Winchester Woes Halt Frank Kimmel’s Top Ten Streak appeared first on Catchfence.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catchfence/~3/TDnvwj7g6p4/
John Phillips: Interrogating Friends, Colleagues, and Heroes Is Part of My Job
One of the perks of my job is that I can just call famous folks willy-nilly and ask them personal questions, citing my job as justification. Last month, I called the vehicle line exec for the new SRT Viper and said, “I pretty much need to know everything you’ve done in the last two years.” [...]
Grosjean says fourth was the maximum
Romain Grosjean reckons he got the most from his Lotus E20 after taking fourth position on the grid for the European Grand Prix at Valencia.
AMA SBK: Roll Tide! Hayes Doubles In 'Bama
Josh Hayes continued to run roughshod over his AMA Superbike rivals by scoring his eighth dominant victory of the season on Sunday at BMP.
Source: http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/ama-sbk-roll-tide-hayes-doubles-in-bama/
Official: Mini releases official Clubvan details, on sale this August
Filed under: Minivan/Van, Mini
"Trend-conscious commercial users" isn't a phrase we've heard
As the word "van" might indicate, instead of back seats the Clubvan has a cargo bay and a fixed grate to keep breakables and bulldogs from sliding into the cockpit. According to Mini, those aren't actual panels where the Clubman windows usually reside, it's just that the windows have been blacked out so as to be opaque and further bolstered with an inner layer of polycarbonate. The glass in the rear doors has also been blacked out.
The 860-liter loading area is lined with carpeting and an acrylic roof, has 12-volt sockets, attachment loops, and can handle up to 500 kilograms.
Trend-conscious grunt will come in three flavors: gas options in 98 horsepower and 122 hp, and a diesel with 112 hp. A six-speed manual will be standard, a six speed automatic an option on the diesel. This being classified as a commercial vehicle, your trendiness does get curbed slightly: only four colors will be available outside, and the interior will be black.
It goes on sale this August, and you can find out all about it in the press release below.
Continue reading Mini releases official Clubvan details, on sale this August
Mini releases official Clubvan details, on sale this August originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/24/mini-releases-official-clubvan-details-on-sale-this-august/
Pommer takes dominant first F2 win
Markus Pommer dominated the opening race of the weekend at Spa, taking his first Formula 2 win in the process. Despite concerns on the grid about the wellbeing of his car, Pommer stormed away from the start to build an unassailable lead. There was a scare on the first lap, when Mihai Marinescu forced Kevin Mirocha onto the grass coming out of Radillon
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/pommer-takes-dominant-first-f2-win
Hamilton: No qualms on defence
Lewis Hamilton said he had no qualms about trying to fend off Pastor Maldonado as his tyres fading at the end of the European Grand Prix - even though the battle culminated in a collision that left the McLaren in the barriers. Hamilton was holding second behind Fernando Alonso's Ferrari before running out of tyre grip. Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen overtook him, and Williams's Maldonado was trying to do likewise when he hit the McLaren on the penultimate lap
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Neal wins opening race at Croft
Matt Neal continued Honda's domination of the British Touring Car Championship by taking the spoils in the opening race of the weekend at Croft on Sunday. The champion had to battle ahead of the fast-starting Andrew Jordan and the fellow factory Honda of Gordon Shedden to assert himself at the head of the pack on lap 12.
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/touring-cars/btcc/neal-wins-opening-race-at-croft
This Week on the C/D YouTube Channel: Car Meet Convenience Store, Demo-Derby Mods, 1000 Miles in the McLaren MP4-12C, and More
New episodes of The Full Hoon, Battle of the Beaters, Driver Rehab, and Car and Driver: Tested are headed your way. You can check out all the action on our YouTube channel; hit this fancy subscribe link so you don’t miss a thing. Monday: The Full Hoon sees cars crashing through convenience stores, two miserably [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/reFZMW8okJM/
2012 Road America NASCAR Nationwide Series Starting Lineup – Piquet On Pole
1 30 Nelson Piquet Jr.(i) Qualcomm/Autotrac Chevrolet 133.066 SEC / 109.516 2 18 Michael McDowell(i) Pizza Ranch Toyota 133.380 SEC / 109.258 3 5 * Ron Fellows AER Manufacturing Chevrolet 133.641 SEC / 109.044 4 22 Jacques Villeneuve Discount Tire Dodge 133.671 SEC / 109.020 5 33 Max Papis Menards/Rheem Chevrolet 133.799 SEC / 108.916 [...]
Loeb leads into final day
Sebastien Loeb will take a 6.4-second lead over Citroen team-mate Mikko Hirvonen into the final day of Rally New Zealand after holding the Finn at bay through the four Saturday afternoon stages.
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/world-rally-championship-news/wrc/loeb-leads-into-final-day
Hamilton surprised by front row slot
Lewis Hamilton says he is very surprised to have managed to qualify on the front row for the European Grand Prix in Valencia.
Auctions: Custom Toyota Tundra pickup raises $100,000 for charity at Barrett-Jackson
Filed under: Truck, Auctions, Toyota
If you take just a quick glance at this 2011 Toyota Tundra you might think that it's had a pretty hard life, but a closer look reveals that the rusty appearance is actually a custom paint job from Sherwin-Williams. Built by NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer as a tribute to America's Heartland, the truck features many classic design cues including a vertical bar grille, a wood bed floor and vintage looking 20-inch wheels. Much of the paint job is hand-painted including the white pinstripe to the lettering on the doors, and the interior has a vintage appearance as well, with a set of custom cloth seats.
Toyota graciously donated the truck for the auction here at Barrett-Jackson in Orange County with the goal of raising money for the Emporia Community Foundation, a charity that benefits the citizens of Emporia, KS. Bidding for the truck started out slowly, sticking at $30,000, but after Bowyer added a driver suit and a trip to next year's Daytona 500 the price tag skyrocketed to a final price of $100,000.
You can see detailed photos of the custom 2011 Toyota Tundra at Barrett-Jackson in the gallery above.
Custom Toyota Tundra pickup raises $100,000 for charity at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 21:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/23/custom-toyota-tundra-pickup-raises-100-000-for-charity-at-barre/
C/D Video: Failed Sobriety Tests, Texting while Motorcycling, and More
It’s a new week, which means a new episode of The Full Hoon. In this week’s clip, a convenience store becomes, er, a drive-thru; a backflip-attempting drunk fails miserably; and a motorcyclist defies death while texting. Check out the episode below.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/OI__46w0LKs/
Davidson says seat save him
Anthony Davidson believes that the seat of his Toyota TS030 potentially saved him from paralysis in his massive Le Mans shunt last weekend. The former grand prix driver was launched into the air after being clipped by Piergiuseppe Perazzini's Ferrari and suffered two broken vertebrae, but fears that his injuries could have been much worse without the energy absorbing foam material incorporated into the seat.
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/davidson-says-seat-save-him
Button not expecting to make progress
Jenson Button reckons he has very little chance of making progress up the order from ninth on the European Grand Prix grid after his McLaren lost performance at the end of Valencia Q3. After a run of difficult weekends, Button was optimistic that he would be in better shape in Valencia - and that seemed to be the case as he led the way in final practice. But on his final run in Q3, the front brake locking issues that had troubled him in Friday practice returned, leaving him only ninth on the grid and pessimistic about his race chances.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
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
Video: Watch the Mercedes-Benz G-Class make its own parking spot
Filed under: Performance, SUV, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, UK, Humor, Luxury
When you're the boss, parking is never a problem on the jobsite. Not even if someone has taken your reserved spot. Not even if they've taken your spot with, um, the office.
Because the boss drives a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG and uses at least part of his V8's 560 pound-feet of torque to subtly - OK, not so subtly - create a space where the office formerly sat.
Oh, that's power. Not just the Geländewagen's 544 horsepower, but also the boss's power to jeopardize the health and well-being of his underlings, the condition of his $129,000 rolling anachronism, and do it without fear of consequence. Oh, and since the G63 isn't available in the States, he's probably doing it with a pretentiously amazing German accent.
Either that or there is MUCH more money to be made as a construction worker than we ever imagined.
Video proof below.
Continue reading Watch the Mercedes-Benz G-Class make its own parking spot
Watch the Mercedes-Benz G-Class make its own parking spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/watch-the-mercedes-benz-g-class-make-its-own-parking-spot/
Siri Integration Explained: How Apple’s Eyes Free Feature Will Work
Apple’s new Eyes Free Siri integration, which will be a part of the iOS 6 software update, has generated quite a buzz since its announcement last week. Part of this is due to the limited amount of information that Apple and its partner manufacturers have provided. Basically, the new feature will allow users to access the [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/k7TUZSWOp5w/
Red Bull Racing and Nissan to Collaborate on Engineering, Tech—Maybe Even Road Cars
Almost 18 months ago, Infiniti cut a check to plaster its logo on Red Bull Racing‘s world-championship Formula 1 cars. Easily written off as an advertising effort best characterized by MBA-speak such as “synergistic” and “visitivity,” there’s far more depth to the Infiniti-RBR tie-up than just decals, says Andreas Sigl, the Infiniti marketing exec charged [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/wbPrRAx4Al8/
Ford: Solberg strategy still on course
Ford team director Malcolm Wilson says Petter Solberg still has a tyre package to challenge for victory on Rally New Zealand - despite having used another set of soft tyres and still being nearly a minute and a half down on the leading Citroens. There was surprise that the Norwegian went out on four new soft tyres on Saturday morning, when the worst of the weather is expected to come in for Sunday. Wilson's Citroen counterpart Yves Matton admitted he expected Solberg to save his best tyres for the final day.
Pommer takes maiden pole at Spa
Markus Pommer took his maiden F2 pole position in qualifying for the first Formula 2 race of the weekend at Spa. After setting a banker lap, Pommer used his fresh tyres to "try a crazy lap, and it was perfect".
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/pommer-takes-maiden-pole-at-spa
Last 900 Saabs heading to auction
Filed under: Car Buying, Auctions, Government/Legal, Saab
If you've been wanting to get your hands on one last new Saab but missed out on the great Saab sell-off when Saab Cars North America declared bankruptcy, well, your ship has now come in.
Actually, it came in last year - but hundreds of new Saabs got waylaid at ports in California and New Jersey because of the bankruptcy, according to SaabWorld.net. Those cars are now slated for auction, some 900 of them, which will be available for dealers, exporters and rental car companies to bid on beginning next week. Eventually, 300 of these cars should make their way to Saab dealers, where they're expected to be sold off at 30- to 50-percent discounts. The other 600 will either be exported or used as rentals, according to the report, so "the price of Saabs will not be severely depressed."
Besides the new cars, some 67 company cars, including some interesting stuff like a 1960 Saab Quantum IV and a 1970 Sonnett III, will also be auctioned off, according to the report. Of the new cars, just over half are 9-5 models, some 400 are 9-3 sedans, another 60 are 9-3 wagons, and about a dozen are convertibles. According to the report, 28 are actually 9-4X crossovers, which is more than 10 percent of Saab's total 2011 sales for that model.
Last 900 Saabs heading to auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/last-900-saabs-heading-to-auction/
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