Bennett Slams Stafford
The world?s greatest short track sim racers took their iRacing.com Street Stocks to Connecticut for a visit to the Stafford Motor Speedway this past week. Landon Sciacca (Ohio) was this week?s big winner as he captured the win in the highest Strength of Field (SoF). Sciacca?s win got him 160 championship points for his win in the 2554 SoF event. Randy Hedrick (Ohio), Kevin Loveys (Eastern Canada), Christopher Cornell (Northwest) and Darin Busch (Plains) rounded-out the top five in the week’s highest SoF. Thomas Bennett (New England) was Week Eight?s top point earner as he added 146 to his championship point total. Bennett?s week included two starts and one win. Randy Hedrick earned 142 points for the week, only four behind Bennett. Nicolas Moreau, Mike McKinney (Illinois) and William Karp [...]
Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard
Read More2011 BMW 535i xDrive ? Short Take Road Test
With the latest version of BMW?s all-wheel-drive system, the 535i improves on previous deficiencies?but finds new ones. We?ve sampled a bunch of configurations of BMW?s latest-generation 5-series since it debuted about a year ago, but they?ve all been rear-drivers. Last fall, though, BMW launched the all-wheel-drive 535i xDrive, fitted with the most recent iteration of [...]
Al Herman Hans Herrmann Franзois Hesnault Hans Heyer
Read MoreDriver Interviews: Newman, McMurray, Allmendinger, Leffler
Check out Kerry’s interviews from Auto Club Speedway… JAMIE MCMURRAY Download audio file (MCMURRAY032511.mp3) DOWNLOAD HERE RYAN NEWMAN Download audio file (NEWMAN032511.mp3) DOWNLOAD HERE A.J. ALLMENDINGER Download audio file (ALLMENDINGER032511.mp3) DOWNLOAD HERE JASON LEFFLER Download audio file (LEFFLER032511.mp3) DOWNLOAD HERE
Masahiro Hasemi Naoki Hattori Paul Hawkins Mike Hawthorn
Read MoreReport: GM readying Buick Ampera
Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Buick, GM, Opel, Rumormill, Electric
According to a new report from Bloomberg, General Motors is working on a Buick-badged version of its Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid, Europe’s mechanical twin to the Chevrolet Volt. The car hasn’t received final approval yet, as GM still isn’t sure it can get buyers to justify in inevitable premium over the $41,000 pre-incentive Volt.
To make a Buick version more marketable, the General may attempt to take measures to extend the car’s all-electric range, like using lighter materials, but that may be a higher level of investment than the program calls for. That said, any Ampera with a waterfall grille will probably require a few more creature comforts and better interior materials to command Buick’s typically higher pricepoint.
If General Motors can figure out how to build and sell an Buick Volt/Ampera, the car will probably arrive in 2013 as a 2014 model. For now, range and performance will likely be pretty similar to the Volt.
Gallery: 2012 Opel Ampera: Geneva 2011
Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Bloomberg]
Report: GM readying Buick Ampera originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Romain Grosjean Olivier Grouillard Brian Gubby Andrй Guelfi
Read MoreDi Resta out to prove winning potential
Paul di Resta has bumped up the British numbers racing in Formula 1 this year by finally signing for Force India.
But unlike his compatriots, McLaren drivers and world champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, Di Resta is out to prove he deserves his place on the grid.
The likeable 24-year-old Scot, whose promotion has been expected for some time, has plenty of reasons to feel confident about his first season in F1.
Over the course of 12 months as Force India reserve in 2010, Di Resta has already managed to galvanise the team’s support.
His manager Anthony Hamilton, father of Lewis, revealed: “There hasn’t been anything negative from the team. Paul has done a great job and they love him.”
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The team were so smitten by Di Resta that his seat does not depend on sponsorship – in stark contrast to 2011′s other rookies, Pastor Maldonado of Williams, Virgin‘s Jerome D’Ambrosio and Sauber‘s Sergio Perez.
In fact, to partner Di Resta with German Adrian Sutil, Force India will have to pay a financial settlement to Sutil’s 2010 team-mate Vitantonio Liuzzi for breaking the firm contract the Italian had for this season.
Force India must be certain Di Resta has something worth paying for.
The son of racer-turned-businessman Louis di Resta and cousin of three-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti, Di Resta has described having racing “in his blood”.
After winning the 2010 German touring car championship (DTM) for Mercedes on his weekends off from F1 duties, Di Resta arrives as a proven champion.
In his junior career, the Scot raced against future F1 world champions Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, notably beating the German to the Formula Three Euroseries crown.
Di Resta recalled in a 2008 interview: “Sebastian was my team-mate in 2006. I definitely beat him on far more occasions than he ever beat me.
“I’m not saying that I’m a faster or better driver than him but you’d have to say there’s at least parity between us.
“As for Lewis, when we had the same machinery we were equally good.”
In terms of raw talent Di Resta may well be a match for two of F1′s fastest men but it will be difficult for him to prove it when he rejoins them on track.
The laidback Scot’s first task will be to adapt his racing mindset from DTM’s slower ‘tin-top’ cars to F1′s open, single-seater speed machines.
The difference between driving a touring car with 500bhp and an F1 car charged with 750bhp and tonnes of downforce can be compared to handling a family estate car and a supercar.
“It requires a different style to drive both [cars] on the limit; it’s not easy,” explains McLaren reserve and driver Gary Paffett, who was one of Di Resta’s Mercedes team-mates in the DTM last year.
“But if you can win in DTM it puts you in a good position to do a good job in F1. Paul will do a good job – but how good?
“If you’re used to winning you might have to get over the fact that you’re not going to be beating the McLarens and Ferraris week in, week out or beating your team-mate 100% of the time. That’s something you have to learn.”
In eight first practice sessions over grand prix weekends for Force India last season, Di Resta was only able to out-pace either Sutil or Liuzzi, who alternated in the other car, once.
Improving that niggling statistic will be a target for the Scot when the season begins with free practice in Bahrain on 11 March.
Beyond that, barring a major surprise Di Resta will not have the machinery capable of reigniting his teenage rivalry with Hamilton and Vettel, Red Bull‘s reigning champion.
Force India finished seventh in the constructors’ championship last season with Sutil collecting best-place finishes of fifth in Malaysia and Spa. In terms of pace, both drivers failed to qualify inside the top 10 in the final six races of 2010.
The development of Force India’s 2011 car has had to absorb some unsettling changes at the team’s Silverstone factory, with two technical directors, James Key and Mark Smith, as well as chief designer Lewis Butler leaving for rival teams in the space of a year.
Force India intend to fine-tune the new VJM04 car in the wind tunnel before introducing it at the second pre-season test in Jerez – a policy also adopted by McLaren, but not by Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Williams, who will all have new cars ready for the first test in Valencia next week.
After the flashbulbs and fanfare of being unveiled as an F1 driver have died down, Di Resta will start the process of making his opportunity count in Valencia driving a modified 2010 car.
Di Resta may still have everything to prove in F1 but like the rest of 2011′s rookies he also has nothing to lose.
Elmer George Bob Gerard Gerino Gerini Peter Gethin
Read MorePirelli considers tweaking markings
Pirelli is considering a tweak to its tyre marking system after difficulties distinguishing the colours over the Australian Grand Prix weekend. Ahead of the race, Pirelli announced that its tyres would have different coloured lettering this year to distinguish their compound – with the soft (yellow) and hard (silver) being used in Melbourne. But with teams finding it difficult at times to work out which colour tyres were in use when the cars were in action, Pirelli has promised to re-examine its plan.
Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica Nanni Galli
Read MoreGlock worried about Virgin?s form
Timo Glock believes Virgin Racing risks failing to qualify for forthcoming grand prix events this year unless significant improvements are made to the performance of their cars. Virgin was optimistic during pre-season testing that its performance had improved after a difficult debut season in Formula 1. Yet both Glock and new team-mate Jerome D’Ambrosio could only qualify on the back row for the Australian Grand Prix after struggling badly for pace.
Denny Hamlin Z Line Toyota Kyle Busch Toyota Kimmy
Read MoreBiffle to Make 300th Start This Weekend in Martinsville
Greg Biffle – Photo Credit: John Harrelson/Getty ImagesCONCORD, N.C. (March 30, 2011) ? This weekend in Martinsville, Greg Biffle will make his 300th Sprint Cup start. His first Sprint Cup start was at Auto Club Speedway on April 28th of 2002 where he started 29th and finished 13th in a No. 16 Jack Roush-owned Ford. …more»
Zaxby s Chevrolet Brad Keselowski Ruby Tuesday Dodge Carl Edwards
Read MoreRonald Reagan Centennial Celebration and Childress Institute to Sponsor Austin Dillon’s Sprint Cup Series Debut
Frank Gardner Billy Garrett Jo Gartner Tony Gaze
Read MoreNASCAR By the Numbers: Fontana
Eddie Irvine Chris Irwin Jean Pierre Jabouille Jimmy Jackson
Read MoreGlock hopeful of Virgin progress
Timo Glock is hopeful his Virgin Racing team can make progress this season following a disappointing start to the campaign in Australia.
Jackie Holmes Bill Homeier Kazuyoshi Hoshino Jerry Hoyt
Read MoreRoush Fenway Racing & John Force – NASCAR meets NHRA
Jackie Holmes Bill Homeier Kazuyoshi Hoshino Jerry Hoyt
Read More66 Nova Super Sport Drag car if you will
Here is my 66 Nova. This took alittle over a year on and off just due to some hang ups along the way. I used parts from Detail Master, Pro Tech, MAS, Scale Dreams, Scale Motorsport, Slixx, Model Car Garage and some others I am sure. If you have any questions fire away. Here you go 
Jean Marc Gounon Emmanuel de Graffenried Lucas di Grassi Cecil Green
Read MorePredictions Championship begins with three-way tie | Predictions Championship
Three players tied at the top in round one of the 2011 F1 Fanatic Predictions Championship.
Tony Gaze Geki Olivier Gendebien Marc Genй
Read MoreNo. 81 Soul Surfer The Movie Dodge Challenger R/T Strong For Blake Koch Before Flat Tire
Blake Koch(FONTANA, CA) March 28, 2011 ? Sitting 30th in the owner?s standings heading into race five for the NASCAR Nationwide Series season was definitely not where the team was hoping to be. The MacDonald Motorsports No. 81 was in need of a strong run to be locked in to the next race at Texas…more»
Alan Jones Tom Jones Juan Jover Oswald Karch
Read MoreIn the departure lounge?
I am in the Emirates Lounge at Tullamarine International Airport in Melbourne with an Apple in one hand, and a glass of Cloudy Bay in the other. So life is not too bad. It has been a slow day, after finishing GP+ at some crazy hour of the night. I had a wander around Melbourne [...]
Juan Pablo Montoya Joseph Francis Nemechek III Ryan Joseph Newman Kyle Eugene Petty
Read MoreTeam JEGS / Pre-race Notes – NHRA Las Vegas Nationals (NHRA/JEGS)
Team JEGS / Pre-race Notes NHRA Las Vegas Nationals The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, NV April 1-3 The Las Vegas event will mark the second race in the 2011 Get Screened America Pro Mod Series. Troy…
Mika Hдkkinen Bruce Halford Jim Hall Duncan Hamilton
Read More2011 – it’s GO GO GO
Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven
Read MoreKevin Harvick Wins Auto Club 400 With Last Lap Pass
Cecil Green Keith Greene Masten Gregory Cliff Griffith
Read MoreVettel wins season-opening F1 Australian GP
Bobby Grim Romain Grosjean Olivier Grouillard Brian Gubby
Read MoreDodge NASCAR Nationwide Series Auto Club Speedway Post Race Notes & Quotes
Dodge Motorsports ThumbnailDodge Motorsports PR Auto Club Speedway Royal Purple 300 Post-Race Quotes NASCAR Nationwide Series http://twitter.com/teamdodge BRAD KESELOWSKI (No. 22 America?s Tire Dodge Challenger R/T) Finished 10th ?We just didn?t unload our America?s Tire Dodge Challenger like we needed to and got behind early on in the weekend. We worked on it and made…more»
Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte
Read MoreThe Physics Of: Clown Cars ? Feature
Mind the hilarity index?and the giraffe outfits. Wouldn’t you rather be looking at a clown dressed as a skunk? It?s the most requested clown gag ever,? asserts Greg DeSanto. ?Everyone wants to see a lot of clowns come out of a really small car.? Considering DeSanto?s position as the executive director of ?the International Clown [...]
Oscar Alfredo Gбlvez Fred Gamble Howden Ganley Frank Gardner
Read MoreFord NASCAR Nationwide Series Auto Club Speedway Post Race Notes & Quotes
Roush Fenway RacingCARL EDWARDS ? Roush Fenway Racing Ford (Finished 2nd) ?That 18 car was fast. He did a good job. We just didn?t win the race. Gosh we were in a fast race car though and man was it fun to drive. We had a really fast race car and we were competitive with…more»
Taki Inoue Innes Ireland Eddie Irvine Chris Irwin
Read MoreBuemi praises Toro Rosso?s form
Sebastien Buemi says Toro Rosso is more competitive than last year after finishing in the points in the Australian Grand Prix. The Swiss driver took tenth place in the Melbourne race, but he claimed a better result was possible given the pace of the car
Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr Carl Michael Edwards III William Clyde Elliott Jeffrey Michael Gordon
Read MoreThere?s a New Sheriff at Ohio DOT, and He Likes Asphalt
First there was the killing of 3C Rail. Now the Cincinnati streetcar is being led out to pasture. The way transportation projects are unfolding in Ohio, you’d almost think an asphalt industry veteran was heading up the state Department of Transportation.
Jerry Wray, ODOT director and former asphalt industry lobbyist, stands behind Ohio Governor John Kasich. [...]
Lucas di Grassi Cecil Green Keith Greene Masten Gregory
Read MoreFranchitti wins IndyCar's opener in St. Pete
Mack Hellings Brian Henton Johnny Herbert Al Herman
Read MoreHarvick re-emerges with last-gasp win (Yahoo! Sports)
Passing Jimmie Johnson on the final lap of the Auto Club 400, Kevin Harvick provided drama on an otherwise lackluster day.
Al Keller Joe Kelly Dave Kennedy Loris Kessel
Read More2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 ? Feature
25 Cars Worth Waiting For. What it is: Outrageous. This marks the second time a Jeep has received the SRT treatment. Keep Reading: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – Feature
Nick Heidfeld Theo Helfrich Mack Hellings Brian Henton
Read MoreGTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch’s anniversary with special tuner pack
Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen
It’s not unusual for an automaker to roll out a special anniversary model when the brand or a specific model celebrates a milestone. This Volkswagen doesn’t come from Wolfsburg itself, though. Instead, an independent outfit bent on marking the 35th birthday of the Volkswagen Golf GTI is behind the effort.
Partnering with German tuning house Wunschel Sport, the website GTI35.com has outfitted the hopped-up Golf with a 50-horse boost to 260 hp, a body kit, lowered suspension, and 19-inch OZ Quaranta wheels on low-profile rubber. The result is a claimed half-second off the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint, now down to 6.4 seconds (as equipped with the DSG) and a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph).
The titanium-colored aftermarket special also wears decals emulating a racing number, which is repeated on the keychain, parking sign and t-shirt that come along with the €32,800 package, which is also available as individual components. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the high-resolution images in the gallery below.
Gallery: Volkswagen Golf GTI35.com
[Source: GTI35.com]
Continue reading GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch’s anniversary with special tuner pack
GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch’s anniversary with special tuner pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Max Jean Stefan Johansson Eddie Johnson Leslie Johnson
Read MoreForce India not quite on points pace
Force India admitted that at present it is not quite quick enough to score points after Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta finished 11th and 12th in Melbourne. The duo both managed to run in the top 10 for a while, but were edged back by the Saubers and Sebastien Buemi’s Toro Rosso in the end. The team’s chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer said there was plenty of encouragement that Force India could take from the race.
Cliff Griffith Georges Grignard Bobby Grim Romain Grosjean
Read MoreRed Bull on top after F1′s winter war
There is an adage in Formula 1 that if a team shows form at Barcelona’s demanding Circuit de Catalunya in the winter then they are in good shape to go racing.
Over the final two pre-season tests in Barcelona, team analysts have been poring over reams of data, calculating fuel levels and conjuring tyre tactics to try to find out where their team falls in 2011′s pecking order.
The teams were unanimous in one thing – Red Bull will once again be the ones to watch in 2011.
But as the field of 12 teams prepares to race under new regulations for the new season, the champions may not have it all their own way.
Just like last season, Ferrari are not far behind Red Bull.
Nevertheless, after four pre-season tests, it is widely agreed Red Bull have an advantage in both qualifying and race pace.
The Red Bull has looked ominously fast in all conditions in pre-season testing. Photo: Getty
In terms of pure pace, the champions have yet to push the RB7 in full qualifying trim – with some insiders saying they believe the car has never been on track with less than 80kg of fuel on board when 10kg is usually enough for qualifying.
Despite this, world champion Sebastian Vettel and team-mate Mark Webber have managed to top the timings in Barcelona four times out of eight days between them.
Red Bull have also raised eyebrows with their consistency and speed over longer spells on track.
Analysis of Webber’s long runs at the final test suggested that after 10 or more laps he was 0.7 seconds per lap faster than others, showing the car has pace and is kinder on the tyres.
That could be crucial in a season when tyre wear and management is expected to be key factors.
Over at Ferrari, championship runner-up Fernando Alonso and his team-mate Felipe Massa have both shown pace in shorter bursts and strength in race simulations, but analysts point to tyre life as a potential weakness for the Italian marque.
After teething problems in the first three tests, Mercedes bared their teeth in Barcelona as Michael Schumacher was unassailable at the top of day four’s timesheets in the heavily upgraded Mercedes.
Insiders within the team are confident they are now the third fastest team on track – if not the second.
Behind Red Bull, Ferrari – and now perhaps Mercedes – the pack tightens around the midfield of Renault, Williams, McLaren, Toro Rosso and Sauber.
After a catalogue of headaches, from exhaust, hydraulics and engine problems to a lack of spare parts, McLaren have done little to show they will start 2011 where they left off as F1′s third fastest team.
The mood within McLaren has swung between concern, voiced painfully by both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, and optimism that things will better.
And on the plus side, it would not be the first time McLaren have had to battle back from a difficult design through determined development.
Ferrari appear to be best of the rest – just as they were in 2010. Photo: AFP
“If you had to pick a team on the grid who could make most progress throughout the course of year, McLaren are the ones to flag up every time,” one rival team insider commented.
“In 2009 they took a car that was 3.5 seconds off the pace of the [eventual champions] Brawn to races wins at the end of the year.”
Of 2010′s three new entrants, Team Lotus appear to have made the most progress – on pace alone the Norfolk-based team have made up at least a second over the winter to move closer to Force India at the back of the pack.
There is, however, a view up and down the paddock that Formula 1′s new regulations could upset the form book.
When Pirelli won the contract to supply the sport’s tyres this season in place of Bridgestone, the Italian company was asked to make the rubber less durable in the hope that it would spice up racing.
The early signs are Pirelli have delivered on what was asked of them.
Throughout the four pre-season tests, two themes have come up time and again; how quickly the Pirelli tyres are degrading and the performance difference between the four compounds.
For the first three races in Melbourne, Malaysia and China, the teams can only choose between the soft and hard tyres.
Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery predicts the soft tyres will last between 10-15 laps and the hards up to 25.
One experienced F1 race engineer estimates the difference between those tyres could be worth as much as 1.3 seconds a lap.
Tyre selection and when to change them during a race will be crucial to deciding 2011′s winners and losers.
Team strategists believe by getting it right – or wrong – strategy calls could be worth up to six positions.
“The team with the fastest car may not necessarily win the races,” warned Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn.
“If you are out on track on the wrong tyre at the wrong time, people will overtake you. There is more potential to get it wrong than there was last year. It’s a challenge I’m relishing.”
The pit wall strategists and the drivers will have to work together to determine tyre strategy over the weekend.
Drivers who have a good feeling for tyres and how to manage them – the likes of Schumacher, Button and Renault’s Nick Heidfeld - will use that skill to their advantage.
The return of the kinetic energy recovery and power-boost system (Kers) and the introduction of the moveable rear wing also increase the pressure in the cockpit.
“Drivers used to drive the car and were not that good at controls and switches; now they are totally dominated by them,” explained Williams technical director Sam Michael.
“It will be a real thinking game now; tyre degradation, how you are using Kers and the rear wing. You are going to see drivers making some mistakes, that’s for sure.”
At the final test in Barcelona, the F1 field were beginning to tire of looking into their crystal ball to respond to questions on form and expectations for the new season.
In less than two weeks’ time, the drivers will race through the leafy surroundings of Melbourne’s Albert Park and find the answers – whether they like them or not.
Bruce Kessler Nicolas Kiesa Leo Kinnunen Danny Kladis
Read MorePerez happy with first practice outing
Sergio Perez declared himself pleased with his first official outing in Formula 1 in practice for the Australian Grand Prix.
James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya Joseph Francis Nemechek III
Read MoreAustralia Friday quotes: Pirelli
Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery: “We’re pleased with our first outing under competitive grand prix conditions, as our tyres have already shown a good level of performance and durability. While the weather may have felt cold for Australia, these were actually some of the warmest conditions that we have run in recently, and already we can see that our rubber is working better at these temperatures.
Denny Hulme James Hunt Jim Hurtubise Gus Hutchison
Read MoreBahrain F1: Live Race Results and Positions after 1st Lap
Sebastian Vettel has started from the Pole Position at the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix but its the Ferrari of Filepe Massa which has taken the lead.
Here are the standings after the 1st lap at Bahrain F1 Grand Prix:
1 VETTEL ? Red Bull
2 ALONSO ? Ferrari
3 MASSA ? Ferrari
4 ROSBERG ? Mercedes
5 HAMILTON ? McLaren
6 [...]
Nanni Galli Oscar Alfredo Gбlvez Fred Gamble Howden Ganley
Read MoreScuderia Toro Rosso 2011 Australian Grand Prix – Day 2 Qualifying Report
Scuderia Toro Rosso 2011 Australian Grand Prix – Day 2 Qualifying Report Albert Park, Melbourne, Saturday March 26 , 2011 1st race of 2011 1st Q3 since 2009 Giorgio Ascanelli Before the session, I expected to get this result. We…
Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr
Read More2012 BMW M6 ? Feature
25 Cars Worth Waiting For. What it is: The most powerful 6-series, sharing its underpinnings with the next M5; coupe and convertible versions will be offered. Keep Reading: 2012 BMW M6 – Feature
Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III
Read MoreHunter-Reay fastest in first session
Andretti Autosport’s Ryan Hunter-Reay was quickest in the first IndyCar practice session of the season in St Petersburg.
Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth
Read MoreButton hails McLaren?s step forward
Jenson Button says McLaren has taken a huge step forward compared to winter testing, after the team enjoyed a positive start to the season in qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix.
Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt
Read MorePorsche 991 will go hybrid?
Porsche has already proven they can have a killer hybrid sports car with the918 Spyder Concept, so why not try using a hybrid system in a production sports car? A Porsche 911/991 prototype was recently caught testing sporting a few details that would lead us to believe it was a hybrid version of the future generation Porsche 911.
This particular prototype features extra devices attached to the brakes, most likely placed there in order to measure regenerative effects. The rear hood was enlarged and vented, and the side vent was just a stick-on decal.
Porsche already offers a hybrid system for the Panamera and the Cayenne, so the idea of the 991 also carrying a hybrid engine isn’t all that far-fetched. In these two models, the hybrid system combines a 3.0 liter V6 engine with an output of 333 HP with a 34 Kw (47 HP) electric motor. The electric motor gets its power from a nickel metal hydride battery (NiMh) where the electrical energy recovered from braking and driving is stored.
Porsche 991 will go hybrid? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 25 March 2011 16:00 EST.
Hans Herrmann Franзois Hesnault Hans Heyer Damon Hill
Read MoreNASCAR @ Fontana: Montoya wins the Sprint Cup pole
Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton
Read MorePortugal Rally Results
LISBON, Portugal After 2 stage 1. Jari-Matti Latvala, Finland, Ford, 1 hour, 23 minutes, 31.4 seconds. 2. Mikko Hirvonen, Finland, Ford, 11.5 seconds behind. 3. Sebastian Loeb, France, Citroen, 13.7. 4. Sebastian Ogier, France, Citroen, 16.7. 5. Henning Solberg, Norway, Ford, 2:06.5. 6. Mathew Wilson, Britain, Ford, 2:11.2.
Oswald Karch Narain Karthikeyan Ukyo Katayama Ken Kavanagh
Read MoreA Different Kind of Concept: Aston Martin and Mobiado to Unveil Concept Phone in Switzerland
Since 45 percent of recent Aston Martin buyers have reported at least three instances of confusing their iPhones for their AmEx black cards, the descendants of David Brown?s legendary party posse have decided to explore possible solutions. To that end, they?ve teamed up with Canadian luxury telephone manufacturer Mobiado to create the CPT002 concept phone, [...]
Lucas di Grassi Cecil Green Keith Greene Masten Gregory
Read MoreBristol Race Recap: Kyle Busch Sweeps the Weekend
By Reid Spencer Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service (March 20, 2011) BRISTOL, Tenn.?The question isn?t whether Kyle Busch will win at Bristol Motor Speedway?it?s whether anyone else can find a way to keep him out of victory lane. First off pit road after stops under caution on Lap 429, Busch held off polesitter Carl Edwards [...]
Oscar Alfredo Gбlvez Fred Gamble Howden Ganley Frank Gardner
Read MoreDaily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.25.11
First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes executives couldn’t have hoped for a better environment to launch the best Baby Benz, and for buyers unable to pony up for an S, the C-Class easily fits the entry-level luxury bill.
2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate joins Autoblog’s Long-Term Garage
We’re eager to see how Hyundai’s new range-topping model stands up to the day-to-day rigors of American life, so we’ve just added a $65,400 Equus Ultimate to the Autoblog Long-Term Garage.
2012 Buick LaCrosse dropping trim levels, V6 available as no-cost option
CX, CXL and CXS trim level designations will be replaced by option packages that encompass all of the available amenities.
Also of interest:
- Video: BMW shows off Death Valley testing, 2012 3 Series on display?
- Pics Aplenty: Audi R18 “Evolution 2″ cars finish tests in U.S.
- Meet the 203-foot truck on its way to save Fukushima’s No. 4 reactor
- Mazda dealers in U.S. asked not to order cars from Japan
- President and CEO Jan Åke Jonsson retires as Saab signs deals in China, Russia and declares 2010 earnings
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.25.11 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Jim Hall Duncan Hamilton Lewis Hamilton David Hampshire
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