Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[American racing legend, Phil Hill, dies at 81]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/american-racing-legend-phil-hill-dies-at-81/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/american-racing-legend-phil-hill-dies-at-81/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/american-racing-legend-phil-hill-dies-at-81/#commentsFiled under:

Phil Hill, the only American-born driver to win a Formula One title, passed away last night of complications associated with Parkinson's disease at the age of 81. Aside from his success with Ferrari in F1 during the 1961 season, Hill was also the first American to win at the 24 hours of Le Mans, taking the title twice more and winning the 12-hours of Sebring three times.

Described by friends and colleagues as reserved and genteel, Hill was a breath of fresh air in the international racing scene and finally inducted into the International Motorsport Hall of Fame in 1991.

He is survived by his wife Alma, son, two daughters and four grandchildren, all of whom have our heartfelt condolences.

[Source: Autoweek]

 

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]]>phil hillPhilHill2008-08-28T15:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Unofficial: Dodge Viper ACR laps 'Ring in record 7:22.1 [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/unofficial-dodge-viper-acr-laps-ring-in-record-7-22-1-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/unofficial-dodge-viper-acr-laps-ring-in-record-7-22-1-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/unofficial-dodge-viper-acr-laps-ring-in-record-7-22-1-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We're not terribly surprised that the Dodge Viper ACR has apparently made it around the famed German racing circuit faster than pretty much anything else you'll find on a dealer's lot. After all, the ACR is a race car, as evidenced by the video that Motor Trend has posted. The most venomous Viper has done the deed in 7:22, fast enough to make grown men cry. To this blogger, the Viper is dead gorgeous, even with that yucky-but-functional rear wing on the ACR, and it definitely carries the spirit of hairy-chested cars of yore. The shifter wobbles around horrendously when the driver kisses the rev limiter a few times, and there even appears to be a flubbed shift near the end, so the ACR may have faster laps left in it. We're waiting on confirmation on whether or not this is an official lap, but it's certainly creating a stir, and the Viper wants to know, V-Spec who? Thanks for the tip, Rob.

[Source: Viper Alley]



Thanks for the tip, Rob!

video of run at MotorTrend

 

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]]>ring timeRingTimeviper acr nurburging timeviper acr nurburgringviper acr ringviper acr ring timeviper nurburgringviper nurburgring timeviper ringviper ring timeViperAcrNurburgingTimeViperAcrNurburgringViperAcrRingViperAcrRingTimeViperNurburgringViperNurburgringTimeViperRingViperRingTime2008-08-27T23:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Audi develops R8 GT3 racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/audi-developes-r8-gt3-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/audi-developes-r8-gt3-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/audi-developes-r8-gt3-racer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Audi R8 GT3 car

The courtship between Audi and GT3-class racing teams has officially begun with the automaker's announcement that it has developed a GT3 version of the R8 sports car dubbed "R16" internally by its project overlords at Audi Sport . The rear-drive racer (GT3 regulations prohibit AWD) features a six-speed sequential gearbox, mostly production-spec suspension components, plus an updated front end and a large rear wing designed to keep it planted to the tarmac. No additional tech specs have been revealed at this time. Factory driver Frank Biela was at the wheel for the prototype's roll-out, and customer deliveries are expected to take place next fall. Look for the car to see wheel-to-wheel action against the likes of the Aston Martin DBRS9 and Jaguar XKR GT3 during the 2009 European racing season. We patiently await its inclusion in a future Gran Turismo update so that we can try it out, too.

Gallery: Audi R8 GT3 Racer


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi develops R8 GT3 racer

 

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]]>audiaudi sportAudiSportbreakinggt3r16r8r8 gt3r8 racerR8Gt3R8Racer2008-08-27T10:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[F1 musical chairs depends on where Alonso sits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/f1-musical-chairs-depends-on-where-alonso-sits/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/f1-musical-chairs-depends-on-where-alonso-sits/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/f1-musical-chairs-depends-on-where-alonso-sits/#commentsFiled under: ,

Every year towards the end of the season, the world of Formula One racing plays a big game of musical chairs as drivers' contracts come up for renewal and seats open up. Sometimes drivers end up in the same chair they were in before, but this season we've got reason to believe there'll be a big switch. And the key to that switch depends on Fernando Alonso more than anyone else, according to Ross Brawn.

The former Ferrari technical guru and current head of Honda's F1 racing program points towards the lackluster performance of Renault this year as clear evidence that Alonso will seek out a new team. Where he will end up remains a big question mark, however, as almost all the teams would welcome the two-time world champion to their ranks, and would be willing to hold off signing their other drivers until Alonso has sat down.

[Source: Autosport, Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty]

 

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]]>alonsofernando alonsofernando alonso contractFernandoAlonsoFernandoAlonsoContractferrarihondared bullRedBullrenaulttoyota2008-08-26T18:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Penske Racing: to Infineon and Beyond (SPOILER ALERT)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/penske-racing-to-infineon-and-beyond-spoiler-alert/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/penske-racing-to-infineon-and-beyond-spoiler-alert/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/penske-racing-to-infineon-and-beyond-spoiler-alert/#commentsFiled under:

Click above image for high-res gallery of Grand Prix of Sonoma

Motor racing is, of course, highly competitive, and the logistics highly complicated. The higher the level of racing, the more competitive and the more complicated. But racing fans expect to see it duked out on the track, not on the way there. That's why it was so disappointing when the transporter carrying Penske's Indy racing team to Infineon (formerly known as Sears Point) in Sonoma, California, went up in flames on the interstate.

For any other team, even a lesser incident would have called the curtain on their race weekend. But as we reported on Thursday, Penske has a history of turning adverse circumstances like these into victory. Was the team able to perpetuate the legacy, or did it succumb to the circumstances? For the sake of those who have this past weekend's Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma County cued up on TiVo, we'll keep the results after the jump. Follow along to read on.

Gallery: IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Sonoma


Continue reading Penske Racing: to Infineon and Beyond (SPOILER ALERT)

 

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]]>helio castronevesHelioCastronevesinfineonpenskepenske briscoepenske castronevespenske infineonpenske sears pointpenske sonomaPenskeBriscoePenskeCastronevesPenskeInfineonPenskeSearsPointPenskeSonomaryan briscoeRyanBriscoesears pointSearsPointsonoma2008-08-26T09:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Paul Newman takes last laps at Lime Rock]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/paul-newman-takes-last-laps-at-lime-rock/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/paul-newman-takes-last-laps-at-lime-rock/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/paul-newman-takes-last-laps-at-lime-rock/#commentsFiled under: ,



In the world of Hollywood where so many people are vacuous prima donnas, Paul Newman is one of the great exceptions. He is considered one of the greatest American actors and one of the classiest human beings. However, after 83 years, the Newman era is drawing to a close. About 18 months ago, Newman was diagnosed with lung cancer and he's not expected to live past the end of September.

Many fans of his acting are not aware of Newman's nearly four-decade long involvement in motorsports. Over the years he has racked up a second place finish at the 24 hours of Le Mans and a GTS class victory at the 1995 Daytona 24 hours... at the age of 74. For the last 25 years he and Carl Haas have owned one of the most successful IndyCar/ChampCar teams of the era, as well. Off the track and sound stage he has also raised over $200 million for charity through the Newman's Own brand of foods.

On August 13, the Lime Rock Park race track near his Connecticut home shut down for a couple hours so that Newman could take a few final laps in his GT1 Corvette. The world will certainly be a poorer place with his passing. If you haven't watched The Hustler, The Sting, or Butch and Sundance recently, now's probably a good time to put them in your NetFlix queue. Thanks for the tip, Luke!

[Source: SpeedTV]

 

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]]>paul newmanpaul newmans own foodPaulNewmanPaulNewmansOwnFood2008-08-26T09:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[It's official: Team HUMMER driver Emily Miller is an Ironwoman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/its-official-team-hummer-driver-emily-miller-is-an-ironwoman/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/its-official-team-hummer-driver-emily-miller-is-an-ironwoman/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/its-official-team-hummer-driver-emily-miller-is-an-ironwoman/#commentsFiled under:



Last weekend, Emily Miller of Rod Hall Racing was out to become the first Ironwoman in the history of the TSCO Vegas to Reno off-road race to finish the grueling competition solo. To do so, she'd have to drive the her H2 the entire 457-mile distance. She did it in a time of 16:40.30 after having lost the front passenger wheel at mile 80 and having to rebuild the front end. And she still came in third in the stock-full class. Teammate Chad Hall took first in an H3 Alpha, and was the first production vehicle to cross the line. The other Halls -- Rod and Josh -- also took first in their respective classes. Congratulations to Emily, -- and if you're looking for her at future races, she'll probably be the one wearing a cape. Thanks for the tip, 4x4 King!

[Source: Hummer Guy]

 

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]]>emily millerEmilyMillerhummermotorsportsoff-road racingOff-roadRacingracingrod hall racingRodHallRacingteam hummerTeamHummertsco vegas to renoTscoVegasToRenovegas to renoVegasToReno2008-08-26T08:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Suspension problem on Ferrari A1GP car delays season opener]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/suspension-problem-on-ferrari-a1gp-car-delays-season-opener/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/suspension-problem-on-ferrari-a1gp-car-delays-season-opener/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/suspension-problem-on-ferrari-a1gp-car-delays-season-opener/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view a high-resolution gallery of the new Ferrari A1GP car

It was an ambitious target to design, develop, shake down and launch an all-new spec car across the series in less than a full year, but that's what the organizers of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport set out to do. Unfortunately, the first major setback inevitably meant that the series would have to be postponed, and that's just what happened.

The new car has been under development with Ferrari for the past ten months or so - based on Ferrari's Formula One racing car design - and things had been going well. However, when test driver Patrick Friesacher was injured after a vital suspension component failed, it was back to the drawing board. The delay means that the start of the fourth season, which was originally scheduled for September 21 at the Mugello track in Italy, will now be pushed back to Zandvoort, Holland, for October 4, which was initially planned as the second race of the season.

Check out the press release after the jump, and the new high-resolution gallery of the Ferrari-developed and -powered A1GP spec racer by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: A1GP - Powered by Ferrari


[Source: A1GP]

Continue reading Suspension problem on Ferrari A1GP car delays season opener

 

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]]>a1 gpa1 gp ferrariA1GpA1GpFerrariworld cup motorsportWorldCupMotorsport2008-08-25T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: the new European Grand Prix at Valencia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/spoiler-alert-the-new-european-grand-prix-at-valencia/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/spoiler-alert-the-new-european-grand-prix-at-valencia/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/spoiler-alert-the-new-european-grand-prix-at-valencia/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the European Grand Prix

There are many grands prix in Europe, but there is only one European Grand Pix. Although the title was originally awarded as a badge of prestige to one race on the continent each year, over the last quarter century the name has allowed a second round in the Formula One World Championship to be held in a country that already hosts a race under its own name. With the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix already behind us, this year's European Grand Prix was held at the new street course in Valencia, Spain.

Not to be confused with the Circuit de Valencia that is often used as an F1 test track, the new Circuito Urbano Valencia was designed by prolific track architect Hermann Tilke and is lauded for combining a highly challenging set of 25 turns with a Monaco-like atmosphere - complete with views of the Mediterranean and a marina - and a unique bridge straight. The new location made for a an exciting setting for this past weekend's race, jam packed with race action to throw this year's championship further into flux. Follow the jump to see how it unfolded.

Gallery: F1 Grand Prix of Europe in Valencia, Spain


Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: the new European Grand Prix at Valencia

 

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]]>european gpeuropean grand prixEuropeanGpEuropeanGrandPrixf1felipe massaFelipeMassafia formula one world championshipFiaFormulaOneWorldChampionshipformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenlewis hamiltonLewisHamiltonvalenica2008-08-25T13:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Indy to go turbo by 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/indy-to-go-turbo-by-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/indy-to-go-turbo-by-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/indy-to-go-turbo-by-2011/#commentsFiled under:

Officials have confirmed that the newly reunified IndyCar series is contemplating a move to turbocharged engines by 2011. The move could entice more automakers - aside from Honda, which is the only engine manufacturer currently participating in the series - to join on as well. In a meeting held this past June, IRL officials spoke with a dozen automakers about joining the series, and several sounded enthusiastic at the prospect of switching from the current naturally-aspirated V8s to smaller turbocharged engines. The new formula would call for either four or six cylinders and either one or two spools, producing as much as 750 horsepower instead of the current 650. Officials expect three or four manufacturers to sign on to the new formula, which could be announced as early as December to give the manufacturers enough time to develop the new engines.

Turbochargers had been common in American open-wheel racing, but after the IRL and Champ Cars split, the former switched to non-boosted V8s while the latter continued with turbos. The bulk of the formula for the reunited series, however, was based on the IRL regulations. Many of the drivers competing in the series have been pushing for the switch, and responded enthusiastically to the news.

[Sources: Autosport and The Indianapolis Star, Photo by Jon Ferrey/Allsport/Getty]

 

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]]>cartchamp carsChampCarsicsindyindy racing leagueindy turboindycarindycar turboIndycarTurboIndyRacingLeagueIndyTurboirlturbochargers2008-08-25T07:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[20-mile-long convoy of Subarus to celebrate life of Colin McRae]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/20-mile-long-convoy-of-subarus-to-celebrate-life-of-colin-mcrae/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/20-mile-long-convoy-of-subarus-to-celebrate-life-of-colin-mcrae/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/20-mile-long-convoy-of-subarus-to-celebrate-life-of-colin-mcrae/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

McRae parade The picture at right was taken a just a day after the rally legend was killed in a tragic helicopter crash near his home in Lanarkshire. Without prompting, rally fans from across the UK drove to Scotland to hold a memorial in the McRaes' hometown, which quickly filled up with Subarus, most of them WR blue.

One year on, they've gotten organized. Next Saturday, August 30, Colin's dad, Jimmy, will drive his son's famous 555 Impreza out of Lanark and head for Prodrive's factory in Banbury, southern England. By the time he reaches Birmingham he will have 700 Subarus in his mirrors forming an all-wheel-drive parade that's expected to stretch over 10 miles. Then, on Sunday the 31st, another 600 scoobies are set to join the tailback as it heads to Prodrive's test track in Warwickshire. Yep, that's 1,300 cars in a 20 -plus-mile snake, powered by 5,200 horizontally opposed cylinders.

Although official entry to the event is now closed, organizers expect even more Subarus to show up on the day. Details of the route can be found at http://www.mcrae-gathering.co.uk/

 

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]]>2008-08-24T17:44:00+00:00<![CDATA[American-made Formula Nippon car debuts at Fuji]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/american-made-formula-nippon-car-debuts-at-fuji/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/american-made-formula-nippon-car-debuts-at-fuji/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/american-made-formula-nippon-car-debuts-at-fuji/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just under a year since the concept was announced, two brand new 2009 Formula Nippon chassis, designed and built by California's Swift Engineering, have gone through shakedown trials at Fuji Speedway. Autoblog spoke to Team Toyota TOM'S Andre Lotterer, one of the first two F'pon pilots to take the radically designed machine out for a spin, to see what he thought of the exceptionally wide single seater.

First off, they seem to be pretty well put together. In an unusual turn of events for a brand new car, nothing broke or fell off during the its first outing in anger. Equally unusual, the new design is almost as quick as the Lola chassis it replaces, and with a few adjustments is destined to be even quicker. That's saying something: Andre has managed to lap Fuji in 1 minute 23 seconds in the 2008 Formula Nippon car, less than 5 seconds off Lewis Hamilton's record of 1:18.7

Although the chassis currently lacks mechanical grip, pitching the car in to crowd pleasing slides in slow corners, Andre reckons that the gigantic 6' 4" wide front wing and sculpted sidepods are generating plenty of downforce, keeping the car planted through higher-speed bends. Unfortunately, those advanced aerodynamics won't be able to prevent incidents such as F1 refugee Yuji Ide's aerobatics at Suzuka earlier this year, and super rookie Kohei Hirate's wince inducing flight into the barriers at Motegi a few weeks ago, but the Swift monocoque is even stronger than the 2008 Lola tub that saved those drivers from serious injury.

 

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]]>2009formula nipponFormulaNipponswift2008-08-24T16:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mitsubishi "Racing Lancer" hits the sandbox]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/mitsubishi-debuts-cross-country-rally-racing-lancer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/mitsubishi-debuts-cross-country-rally-racing-lancer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/mitsubishi-debuts-cross-country-rally-racing-lancer/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for more high-res pics of the Racing Lancer

You're looking at the replacement for Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart's venerable rally version of the Pajero sport ute. The Japanese automaker's rally team has just revealed its newest cross-country rally vehicle based on the Lancer, dubbed simply the "Racing Lancer". The Racing Lancer will makes it debut at the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup in Portugal at the end of October. There it will show off its new turbo diesel engine, specifics of which have been withheld though the new mill has logged over 8,000 km during testing and limited competition. Mitsubishi's new motor marks yet another instance of diesel power gaining prominence in motorsport just like Audi did in the American Le Mans Series with its oil-burning R8 and R10. And just like Audi, Mitsubishi's decision to use a turbodiesel in the Racing Lancer is part of a larger plan that has but one objective: win the 2009 Dakar rally.

Gallery: Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Racing Lancer


[Source: Mitsubishi]

 

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]]>2009 dakar2009Dakarcross country rally lancerCrossCountryRallyLancerdakardakar lancerdakar rally lancerDakarLancerDakarRallyLancermitsubishimitsubishi racing lancerMitsubishiRacingLancerracing lancerRacingLancerrally lanceryRallyLancery2008-08-22T12:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[BMW Sauber discovers cause of KERS shock]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/bmw-sauber-discovers-cause-of-kers-shock/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/bmw-sauber-discovers-cause-of-kers-shock/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/bmw-sauber-discovers-cause-of-kers-shock/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According to Team BMW Sauber, it has "concluded their investigations into the KERS incident at Jerez." Incident? You mean that time when one of your mechanics was literally thrown to the ground after doing nothing more than touching your car? Right, that one. If you are truly interested in reading all of the techno-babble regarding why the experimental KERS hybrid system reached out and touched someone, click past the break for the details. Here are the highlights: It was an accident. The KERS control unit malfunctioned. Nobody was seriously hurt and nobody was ever in any real danger (Dr Evil: Riiight...). Christian Klein, the driver, was insulated from any shocks due to his race suit and gloves.

BMW Sauber has apparently fixed the problem and feels confident that it will be ready to continue testing in the Autumn. Recently, the BMW team voted in favor of running the KERS hybrid system for next year's race season, so it'll have to be ready to go sooner rather than later.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW Sauber discovers cause of KERS shock

 

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]]>bmw sauberBmwSauberflywheelformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekerskers shockKersShockkinetic energykinetic energy recov...kinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyKineticEnergyRecov...KineticEnergyRecoverySystem2008-08-22T11:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1966 Giannini Fiat 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/ebay-find-of-the-day-1966-giannini-fiat-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/ebay-find-of-the-day-1966-giannini-fiat-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/ebay-find-of-the-day-1966-giannini-fiat-500/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click to view the '66 Fiat 500 Giannini Tony Stewart

What would Luigi make of this? The little Fiat 500 from Pixar's Cars said he only follows Ferrari, but then his cousin shows up, decked out in NASCAR livery.

This original 1966 Fiat 500 has been tuned by Italian racing garage Giannini, with a tiny 700cc two-cylinder engine capable of taking the quaint little Italian up to 100 mph and return a staggering 60+ mpg. To set it apart from ordinary Cinquecentos, this example has been decked out in decals mimicking Tony Stewart's NASCAR racer, ready to cheer from the sidelines at the Piston Cup. The car was listed in excellent condition with no rust, and recently sold on eBay for just $7,700. Check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Giannini Tony Stewart 1966 Fiat 500


[Source: eBay Motors via CarScoop]

 

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]]>500cinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat 500 gianninifiat 500 giannini tony stewartfiat cinquecentofiat gianniniFiat500Fiat500GianniniFiat500GianniniTonyStewartFiatCinquecentoFiatGianninigianninitony stewartTonyStewart2008-08-22T07:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rod Hall/Team HUMMER's Emily Miller looks to enter record books]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/rod-hall-team-hummers-emily-miller-looks-to-enter-record-books/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/rod-hall-team-hummers-emily-miller-looks-to-enter-record-books/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/rod-hall-team-hummers-emily-miller-looks-to-enter-record-books/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The TSCO Vegas to Reno race, part of the Best in the Desert off-road racing series, is 457 miles long through the Nevada sand and scrub. From start to finish takes many racers 12 hours or more, and a driver that goes the entire distance is known as an "Ironman." For this year's edition, Emily Miller of Team HUMMER plans on being the race's first ever Ironwoman.

Miller will be piloting an H2 in the stock class with a navigator, Jake Povey. Some will undoubtedly think it crazy to try winning off-road races in an H2, but Miller's teammate Josh Hall has won the race three years in a row in his H2 SUT. Miller's no stranger to the podium herself, having come second at this year's Terribles 250.

The TSCO Vegas to Reno race happens this Friday, August 22 (that'd be tomorrow), where Miller will probably have some vintage Cake playing on the iPod. You can keep up with all the live action at www.rodhallracing.com, and to you, Emily, best of luck.

[Source: GM]

 

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]]>best in the desertBestInTheDesertemily millerEmilyMillerhummerhummer racingHummerRacingoff road racingOffRoadRacingracingrod hall racingRodHallRacingteam hummer racingTeamHummerRacingvegas to renoVegasToReno2008-08-21T17:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Penske Racing transporter goes up in flames en route to Infineon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/penske-racing-transporter-goes-up-in-flames-en-route-to-infineon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/penske-racing-transporter-goes-up-in-flames-en-route-to-infineon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/penske-racing-transporter-goes-up-in-flames-en-route-to-infineon/#commentsFiled under:

Penske's Indy racing team suffered disaster early this morning when their transporter truck - en route from the team's headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina, to Sonoma, California - caught fire at 4 a.m. on Interstate 80 outside Cheyenne, Wyoming. The two Penske personnel on board managed to escape unharmed, but could not extinguish the fire, believed to have been caused by a faulty bearing in one of the trailer's wheels. They detached the truck cab from the burning trailer and could do nothing more but watch as an estimated $2 million worth of equipment - including two Dallara-Honda race cars - went up in flames.

Continue reading Penske Racing transporter goes up in flames en route to Infineon

 

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]]>penskepenske firepenske indypenske irlpenske racingpenske transporter firePenskeFirePenskeIndyPenskeIrlPenskeRacingPenskeTransporterFire2008-08-21T10:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Winkelmann: Lamborghini to go racing, no Superleggera planned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/winkelmann-lamborghini-to-go-racing-no-superleggera-planned/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/winkelmann-lamborghini-to-go-racing-no-superleggera-planned/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/winkelmann-lamborghini-to-go-racing-no-superleggera-planned/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch the video

To the outside observer, Lamborghini and Ferrari may appear to be peas in a pod, and while the two exotic automakers may arrive at similar points, they come from completely different directions. While Ferrari remains essentially a racing team that produces road cars to support their motorsport campaigns, sporadic privateer entries notwithstanding, Lamborghini has never had the same degree of racing pedigree. That may be about to change, however.

This year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance highlighted Lamborghini as a featured marque, and the guys over at Garage419 had a chance to talk with Stefan Winkelmann. The Lamborghini CEO revealed that the company is preparing a full-on factory racing program, and though details are still a few weeks away, Winkelmann said the factory racing effort would start in Europe. Winkelmann also dispelled rumors of a potential RWD-only variant of the new Gallardo LP560-4, as well as a Superleggera version, saying that Lamborghini had no such plans for the time being. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Garage419 via eGMCarTech]

Continue reading Winkelmann: Lamborghini to go racing, no Superleggera planned

 

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]]>2wd lamborghini gallardo2wdLamborghiniGallardogallardo lp560-4GallardoLp560-4gallrdo lp560-4 superleggeraGallrdoLp560-4Superleggeralamborghinilamborghini ceolamborghini ceo stephan winkelmannlamborghini gallardolamborghini lp560-4lamborghini superleggeraLamborghiniCeoLamborghiniCeoStephanWinkelmannLamborghiniGallardoLamborghiniLp560-4LamborghiniSuperleggerarwd gallardorwd lamborghiniRwdGallardoRwdLamborghinistephan winkelmannStephanWinkelmann2008-08-21T09:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[MINI and ABF build the world's fastest Cooper S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/mini-and-abf-build-the-worlds-fastest-cooper-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/mini-and-abf-build-the-worlds-fastest-cooper-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/mini-and-abf-build-the-worlds-fastest-cooper-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a few more shots of the ABF Performance MINI

MINIs have a long history of racing, though most of the iconic hatch's focus has been on its slot car-like handling than its prowess down the 1320. That's set to change with the collaboration between MINI and ABF Performance to create the world's quickest Cooper. How quick? In a taped performance for an upcoming episode of the show Pinks on Speed TV, the Cooper in question, which is an S model from 2002, scored a 10.48 second quarter-mile time while reaching a trap speed of 135 miles per hour. That's seriously quick, especially for a car driven by the wrong wheels. Powering the beast is a 1.6-liter engine that's had its stock supercharger thrown out in favor of one very large Garret turbocharger. A new computer from Motec keeps things running smoothly and allows the 650 horses to be unleashed to the front wheels.

Look for more coming in the near future from ABF, including some cool mods and parts at the SEMA Show in November. For some extra fun, watch this MINI run down a couple of hard-charging classic muscle cars on its way down the track after the break.

Gallery: ABF MINI


[Source: MINI]

Continue reading MINI and ABF build the world's fastest Cooper S

 

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]]>abf miniabf performanceAbfMiniAbfPerformancefastest minifastest mini cooperFastestMiniFastestMiniCoopermini cooperMiniCooperpinkspinks all outPinksAllOut2008-08-20T09:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Dodge Viper ACR possibly spotted at 'Ring, fangs bared]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/dodge-viper-acr-possibly-spotted-at-ring-fangs-bared/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/dodge-viper-acr-possibly-spotted-at-ring-fangs-bared/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/dodge-viper-acr-possibly-spotted-at-ring-fangs-bared/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's got the preposterously huge wing, and race-burlesque stripe job; could this Viper spotted at the Nurburgring possibly be a Viper ACR? The red and black Viper was nabbed on one of the 'Ring's cameras, and there's also reports of a black Viper with graphite stripes tearing around the German racing venue. While the pictures showed up on the Viperclub forums, nobody's got any lap times, unfortunately. Could the ACR turn laps as fast as the scorching GT-R or ZR1? Who knows, but there's no doubt that it'll be fast. That big, silly wing is acceptable in this instance, as it will actually work to enhance downforce on the drive wheels. It'd be the first thing removed for street duty, were we the owners of a Viper GTS. Alas, we're not Viper ACR owners, though the idea of an astoundingly fast car that can kill you if you don't know what you're doing just seems right in these days of electronic safety nets. Cowboy attitude aside, we hope that this Viper owner managed to not stuff it into any hazards, and that his lap times eventually bubble to the surface. Thanks for the tip, Gustavo.

[Source: forums.viperclub.org]

 

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]]>dodge viper acrDodgeViperAcrring time viperRingTimeViperviper acrviper acr nurburgringviper acr ringViperAcrViperAcrNurburgringViperAcrRing2008-08-19T08:27:00+00:00