Anniversary edition Mazda RX-8

For fans of the Wankel engine, Mazda is releasing a limited-run RX-8, on the 40th anniversary of the company's technology.

Only 400 Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Limited Edition models will be heading for the UK.

The sports coupe is available in two special body colours, with a unique wheel design and special 40th Anniversary badging.

The Limited Edition is based on a special concept car first presented at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year.

Enhancing the Limited Edition's look of sporty sophistication are bespoke 10-spoke, 18-inch diameter alloy wheels, an aerodynamic rear wing, new blue-light front fog lamps and a 40th Anniversary badge on each front wing.

Inside, the Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Limited Edition features seats trimmed in black leather with stone Alcantara centre sections.

Luxury carpet mats display the limited edition logo and bespoke stainless-steel scuff plates incorporate a 40th Anniversary Rotary Engine legend together with each cars' unique number - starting at 001/400.

The regular Mazda RX-8's handling is further enhanced by the fitting of uprated Bilstein dampers all around.

The drivetrain features the twin-rotor High Power 231ps RENESIS engine mated to a short shifting six-speed manual transmission.

The Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Limited Edition accelerates from standing to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 146mph.

Mazda is Britain's favourite sports car brand, supplying one in every five sports cars sold in the UK, so this latest model is likely to be in high demand.

2008 Porsche GT2 Test Drive: L.A. Auto Show Preview

You’re looking at the first Porsche 911 that will top 200 mph right off the showroom floor. It goes 204 mph to be exact. That’s faster than the regular Turbo and much quicker than the GT3 version homologated for racing. And it bristles with some of Porsche’s best technology. It will go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and hit 100 mph in less than 7.5 seconds. We kept the hammer down on this bad boy all the way to 170 mph on a track. Yeah, this is one massively fun ride.

The third generation GT2 ups the power of the Turbo’s twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter engine from 480 to 530 hp, with 505 ft.-lb. of torque from 2200 to 4500 rpm. The engine uses two variable-geometry turbochargers and Porsche’s VarioCam variable valve timing and lift hardware and software, plus a free-flowing exhaust system that’s made of expensive titanium alloys from one end to the other. That not only enables the engine to make more power but also lightens the rear end of the car by quite a few pounds.

Although it’s a twin-turbo engine, the 3.6-liter mill is not just a juiced version of the existing engine. The entire intake system between the two turbos and the intake valves has been changed to take advantage of the sinusoidal waves that bounce back and forth in the intake tract, a system that Porsche Motorsports engineers call an “expansion” intake system. By enlarging the castings, passages and ports to capitalize onthese waves, says Karsten Schebsdat, the GT2 project engineer, the engine can operate at lower temperatures, use more spark advance and less fuel, and offer more all-around drivability. And because it’s a Porsche, it helps make more power too.

Lightweighting is one of the keys to this car’s high speed and pinpoint-accurate handling. The GT2 does not use all-wheel drive like the 911 Turbo, saving considerable weight on the nose of the car. Porsche uses special Alcantara-clad carbon-fiber sport bucket seats that are 40 pounds lighter than the standard power units. Unlike most 911s, there’s no room for the kiddies in back—just two carpeted panels, with provisions for roll-bar installation. A unique sound insulation package removes some weight too, along with the lighter suspension components front and rear. In the end, the GT2 comes in 320 pounds lighter than the Turbo. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, or PCCB system, normally an $8000 option on other 911 models, is standard on the GT2. They’re not only hugely powerful but also over an inch larger than the 13.8-in. brakes on the Turbo and GT3. And those PCCBs are a full 40 pounds lighter than the conventional steel brakes.

The GT2’s outer skin is a combination of the existing Carrera 4 and Turbo bodies, some 8 percent stiffer in torsion and 40 percent stiffer in bending than the previous GT2 body. It carries not one, not two, but three large radiators in the nose, with massive openings to flow as much cooling air as possible through them. And, because it uses the four-wheel-drive bodywork without the drive system itself, there’s room up front for a hefty 23.8-gal. fuel tank.

Like the GT3, the GT2 has a small grille of sorts above the bumper in the nose. That grille is designed to simultaneously exhaust hot air from the front radiator and provide downforce. At the rear, the GT2 carries a fixed biplane spoiler that, for the first time, incorporates a pair of engine air intakes. The slots in the fenders exhaust hot air from the engine’s intercoolers, which also provides some additional aerodynamics. Those body mods, plus the racing-style undertray, help the GT2 produce more aerodynamic downforce than any 911 in the model’s 44-year history. And yet the GT2 slices through the air with a drag coefficient of only 0.32.

Because the GT2 is like a turbocharged version of the naturally aspirated GT3, it’s fully homologated for racing in many countries around the world. And that includes club events and track days here in the States. The GT2 comes with a slightly different initial setup than the more-aggressive-handling GT3. It has a lower roll center at the front and a higher roll center at the rear for smoother left-right transitions versus the racier GT3. But it’s all adjustable.

The GT2 uses a very sophisticated suspension system that features a wide range of adjustments for ride height, spring rate, caster, camber and toe-in that can be done using simple tools and adjusting cams and shims. The GT2 uses a strut front suspension and a multilink rear suspension with adjustable coil springs and stabilizer bars on both ends. The ride height can be raised or lowered over a range of just over 2-inches. The GT2 comes with only P325/30ZR-19 Michelin Sport Cup high-performance tires mounted on lightweight alloy wheels. These tires are completely performance biased, so don’t expect them to last past 10,000 miles.

This new-generation GT2 is the first to use Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) and PSM traction and stability control, with separate shutoff buttons for each system for track work. The previous model had no electronic intervention. The GT2 even comes with a new Launch Assist feature. The launch system comes into play when all other systems are engaged; the engine is making at least .9 bar (13.2 pounds per square inch) of boost; and the revs are high enough. It allows for a completely clean getaway from a stoplight or out of the pit lane on a racetrack. The GT2 also packs automatic brake differential, automatic slip control, engine drag control, and a limited-slip differential borrowed from the Carrera GT, all operated by the traction control computer.

Although it has no back seat, the GT2 is hardly a stripper, with options like navigation, the Sport Chrono onboard timing system, a six-disc CD changer, and a 325-watt Bose sound system with 13 speakers and a seven-channel digital amplifier.

The 911 GT2 qualifies as environmentally friendly, sort of. It meets the LEV II emissions rating so there’s no gas-guzzler tax. Porsche will build only 1500 911 GT2s for the entire world over the next six months or so. Only 200 examples of this $191,700 supercar will come to North America. We’ll take a black one. —Jim McCraw

2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR: L.A. Auto Show Preview

Track-day junkies can finally get their hands on a street-legal racing version of the Viper to drive to the course—because railering is just so unccool. The Viper SRT10 ACR’s prodigiously powerful 600-hp engine remains unchanged from the standard, but the suspension is hardened up to improve the Viper’s already impeccable racetrack manners.

StopTech provides lightweight, two-piece vented rotors for sustained racetrack braking performance. The exterior package includes hinged front splitters, an adjustable rear wing and a sporty hood stripe. New wheels, featuring track-ready Michelin Sport Pilot tires, trim a good 40 pounds from the Viper. The Hard Core package replaces most of the upholstery in the interior with carbon fiber and substitutes a lap timer for the radio, saving 40 more pounds. Dodge says the ACR will be available late next spring for under $100,000—but not very far under, we’re guessing. —Mike Allen

2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid: L.A. Auto Show Preview

LOS ANGELES — When it hits the market in late 2008, Chevy’s new Silverado Hybrid is expected to be the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup yet—an impressive distinction for the domestic workhorse. Working in conjunction with 300-volt nickel metal hydride batteries that sit beneath the rear seats, the 6.0-liter V8 powerplant is capable of operating on four cylinders for economy, or shutting off completely at speeds of up to 30 mph.

The two-mode hybrid system uses regenerative braking for fuel economy, and will be capable of operation while towing up to 6100 pounds. An electrically variable transmission (EVT) rounds out the powertrain setup, enhancing seamless delivery of power for either 2WD or 4WD crew cab models.

The Silverado Hybrid should also ride quietly, thanks to low-rolling resistance tires, electrically powered HVAC and steering systems, and internal fans designed to cool the NiMH batteries. Its Z85 suspension is specially tuned for hybrid duty, and a new hydraulic body mount smooths out road surface irregularities. Long-haul drivers might benefit less from the hybrid system, but should appreciate the 26-gallon fuel tank, which enables a theoretical cruising range of more than 500 miles. Underneath its imposing exterior proportions, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid promises to offer a unique combination of fuel economy, rugged utility and cruising comfort. —Basem Wasef

The Best Commercial For a Gasoline!

This fantastic commercial for V-Power high-performance gasoline was created to celebrate 60 years of collaboration between Shell and Ferrari in Formula One. Price, US $3.9 million!



Here is the original news release:

Shell’s New Television Ad Hits The Streets
06/06/2007

Circuit commercial celebrates 60 years of shared passion for performance

To celebrate its technical relationship with Ferrari, Shell has produced a new television advertisement entitled Circuit, to be aired on Canadian networks starting June 4, 2007. The commercial encapsulates the essence of Shell’s relationship with Ferrari to develop the high-performance Shell V-Power Formula One Race Fuel for the track, and transfer that experience to every-day customers around the world.

Filmed on the streets of Rio, New York, Hong Kong, Monaco and Rome using five different Formula One cars from across the decades, the advertisement is a celebration of Shell and Ferrari’s 60 years of shared passion for performance.

The ad creates a sense of the depth of Shell’s relationship with Ferrari, as the cars seamlessly interchange while driving through the streets of bare cities. As the raw sound of the Ferrari engine fills the silence of the empty streets, the driver takes you in the 1952 Ferrari Formula One car through an Italian country road towards the Coliseum. As it turns the corner into the vacant Times Square in New York, the car is now the 1967 Formula One model. The pace moves up a gear as the car, now a 1972 Ferrari, moves through the city streets of Hong Kong, and then turns into the 2003 model as it proceeds alongside the Brazilian waterfront and Cristo Redentor in Rio. The 2006 Formula One car makes its appearance as it manoeuvres its way around hairpin curves in Monaco, and finally the car stops at a Shell gas station to fill up with Shell V-PowerÔ gasolinebefore hitting the road again.

“Shell’s new television ad, Circuit, highlights our long-standing relationship with Ferrari,” says Kevin Collins, Shell Canada’s retail marketing manager. “Most importantly, it also shows the innovation that stems from that relationship—Shell’s V-PowerÔgasoline—which uses 99 per cent the same components as the fuel used by Ferrari in Formula One. What we learn on the track we put on the road in the form of Shell V-PowerÔ gasoline”.

The ad, filmed earlier this year, was produced by award-winning French director Antoine Bardou-Jacquet. The internationally acclaimed director, known for ads such as Honda’s Cog and promo The Child, created Circuit to celebrate Shell and Ferrari’s 60 years of shared passion for performance.

Other countries where Circuitis being aired includeAustralia, Greece, Malaysia, NL, Italy, Poland, Philippines, Hungary, Turkey, Brazil, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Slovakia, Czech, Bulgaria, New Zealand and Guatemala.

For more information about Shell Canada, visit www.shell.ca

For further information contact:

John Peck
Shell Canada Limited
(416) 227-7198

Sergio Marchionne Crashes His Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat, crashed his Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano on A1 motorway near the Swiss town of Olten on Friday, November 3rd.

The Ferrari crashed into the back of a Renault when the 76 year old driver had suddenly braked. Both the Renault's French driver and the Fiat's CEO are OK, but the Ferrari is wrecked for good.

When in Rome

    Imagine this, you are driving your Ferrari, you are driving it sharp, because you want to attract a young lady's attention, but instead you get the attention of a police officer. He stops you, he asks for your papers, and then he starts to laugh. Next thing you know, you are in the jail facing a three-year prison sentence for counterfeiting. Why's that?

    I have no idea, but let's suppose that your car looks like a Ferrari F355 GTS, it sounds like a Ferrari, but the car's papers says it's a Pontiac Fiero and it costs less than 15.000 euros. Ouch!

    Apparently, buying fake Ferraris is big in Italy and Italian Financial Police has decided to end this practice arresting several owners of these counterfeited Ferraris. Lesson learned: Don't fake it!

Formula One World Champion Kimi Raikkonen

    What a season for Scuderia Ferrari and its drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa. After all that venom and scandals, in the final race of the season Raikkonen took the title, his first. Congratulations Kimi, keep 'em coming!

Pagani Zonda F Clubsport - King of the Ring

    Great news from Pagani Automobili. The Pagani Zonda F Clubsport has set a new lap record for the 20.6 km and 73 corners of the Green Hell in 7:27:82. Here’s the official story:

Nurbrugring Nordschleife Record: 7:27:82

Pagani Automobili wishes to commemorate the extraordinary race Juan Manuel Fangio drove on the difficult circuit Nurbrugring Nordschleife 50 years ago, on the 4th of August 1957. Running 45 seconds behind with 10 laps to go, Fangio beat the lap record constantly over the last few rounds around the Nordschleife and taking the first place in the last lap. For Fangio it was the race of his life and it is still rated by many as the single greatest drive in motorsport history. The Pagani Zonda F Clubsport carries the spirit of Fangio and it was a natural choice to celebrate the champion at the Nordschleife. At 7:28pm, with 10 C on the diabolical circuit of 20,6 km and 73 corners, the Zonda F crossed the finish line posting a time of 7:27:82, setting a new record for production supercars. The Zonda F comes with shock absorbers fully adjustable. It was easy for the driver Marc Basseng to find the right setup, in the same way it is done with every Pagani customer. At the Nurburgring Nordschleife aerodynamics come to shine. In combination with Pirellis the Zonda’s efficient downforce package permitted to achieve average lateral G forces of 1,5 G which is impressive for a street car. Fangio wins with Pirelli and Zonda F uses Pirelli Pzero, signing in this way the start of the official collaboration between Pirelli and Pagani Automobili. Pagani is proud to be able to dedicate this success to the great champion Juan Manuel Fangio and wishes to thank the technical partners AMG, Aspa, Automac, Bosch, COBO, Digitek, MHG, SPS, Texa. Source: www.paganiautomobili.it

Massa Stays with Ferrari

Once again, the rumors were false. Yesterday, Ferrari announced that it has extended Felipe Massa's contract through 2010. Here’s the original press release from Ferrari:

MARANELLO, 16th October 2007 – Ferrari announces that it has extended its agreement with the driver Felipe Massa through to the end of the 2010 racing season.

Felipe has been contracted to the Scuderia since 2001. To date, he has taken part in 34 Grands Prix for the team. He has won five times, had sixteen podium places and finished 25 times in the points. He has secured eight pole positions and the same number of race fastest laps, with a total of 166 points scored.

Ferrari 500 Superfast

    To own a Ferrari you have to be a rich, to own a Ferrari 500 Superfast you have to be a super rich. The 500 Superfast, a limited production coachbuilt car, marks the end of the 1950 – 60’s era of the custom built Ferraris. This model was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 1964 and the last car was made in August of 1966.

    With only 36 cars ever produced, the 500 Superfast was the most expensive car in the world at the time it was introduced, and it cost twice as much as 330 GT, a production model of Ferrari.

    The 500 Superfast is powered by a 400 bhp, five litre Colombo’s short block V12 engine, has the claimed speed of 274 km/h (170 mph), and 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) takes six seconds. The bodies of the Ferrari 500 Superfast cars were designed and built by Pinin Farina.

    This model was produced in two series. Series I (24 cars) featured a four–speed gearbox and eleven engine cooling vents, while Series II (12 cars) featured a five-speed gearbox and three engine cooling vents placed in the front–fender.

    The notable owners were the Shah of Iran, the actor Peter Sellers, Aga Kahn, and Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands.

Vandenbrink GTO

If you have 993.000 euros + taxes, a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, and some taste then I have a suggestion for you. Go buy yourself a Vandenbrink GTO. This coachwork is a tribute to the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO and I have to say it looks fantastic. Here's the press release: 


Press release 10-10-2007
VANDENBRINK DESIGN
PRESS RELEASE
10-10-2007


Vandenbrink Design unveils special coachbuilt GTO


Vandenbrink Design joins the revival of special coachbuilding by presenting their design of the GTO, a tribute to the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO.

The GTO was designed in 2006 by Michiel van den Brink, who founded the Vandenbrink Design company with business partner Robert Koumans in the Netherlands.
The worldwide acclaim the artist impressions received exceeded all expectations; TopGear even wrote "Ocular Nirvana: arguably the best-looking car in the world".
The overwhealming response put the bar high, but it encouraged Vandenbrink to accept the challenge by prepairing the design for production.

The new coachwork will be handcrafted following the classic tradition in aluminium by Dutchman Alwin Hietbrink, who is worldwide known by his excellent aluminium craftsmanship in restoration and rebuilding projects of classic Italian iconic sportscars such as the genuine Ferrari 250 GTO.

Optional interior/upholstery redesign will be performed by the Dutch craftsman Henk van Lith, also worldwide known by his specialization in the making of high quality Italian interiors.

The GTO is technically based on the superb Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano platform.

In cooperation with race engineering expert EDO Competition two versions are offered:
- the 599 GTO (5998 cc / 650 hp / 630 Nm) and
- the high performance 630 GTO (6300 cc / 750 hp / 680 Nm).

Through this unique approach the GTO offers a synthesis of automotive art, craftsmanship and state-of-the-art platform and performance engineering.

Only 5 GTO's will be built for customers, guaranteeing exceptional exclusivity.
Customer interest appeared solid; first coachworks have been reserved.
Production will start in 2008; delivery to the first owner will be in 2009.

Price of a full-options 630 GTO is 993.000,- euros (excl. base 599 GTB Fiorano, ex taxes).


Vandenbrink Design:

Vandenbrink Design BV is an automotive design company, located in The Netherlands.
It is a privately owned company, founded in 2006 by Michiel van den Brink and Robert Koumans.
The company focus is on special design and coachbuilding for highly exclusive sportscars.


More information can be found on the websites:

Vandenbrink Design BV: www.vandenbrinkdesign.com
Hietbrink Coachbuilding: www.hietbrink.com
HvL Exclusive Italian Interiors: www.carinteriors.nl
EDO Competition: www.edo-competition.com







I would buy one for sure, but those darn taxes ;)

Pedal Powered Lamborghini

 

    Pedal powered Lamborghini is a work of Benedict Radcliffe and Ben Wilson. Radcliffe is known for his wire sculptures of cars, beside the sculpture of Lamborghini his sculpture of Subaru Impreza has received much attention. On the other hand, Wilson is best known for his Bicycle expertise. Here's what Ben Wilson has to say about this car:

"The work questions the combustion engine, celebrates bicycle efficiency and the striking design of the Lamborghini arguably one of the most iconic super cars of all time, as well as Wilson and Radcliffes commitment to clever and thoughtful craftsmanship."



    Seeing the photo above I would add: "Attracting unwanted attention of a police officer" :) Anyhow, if you want to see more of the Wilson's work you should visit his website.

Top Gear + Fifth Gear = Final Gear

    The Brits, some people think they are a bunch of arrogant arses, but they know how to make a proper car show. If you are a fan of the British car shows, namely the Top Gear and the Fifth Gear, the place to be is a site called the Final Gear. Here is an excerpt from their About page:


    "In late October of 2003, Vuk and I (Viper007Bond) were members of the forum at Fast-Autos.net. At the time, I had only seen small clips here and there of the shows as there wasn't really any public way to get either show. So, long story short, the wonderful Vuk started ripping episodes for me and sending them to me. In return, I started hosting the rips on my personal site for the members of the Fast-Autos.net forum.

    I quickly used up all of my bandwidth though and went to a crazy system where I had different people hosting the episodes to distribute the bandwidth. That didn't work for too long though as the bandwidth was just too immense. Not to mention the site was really ugly (I rock at web design, don't I?).

    Then in March of 2004, I released version 2.0 of the site. It featured a much less ugly design as well as the use of torrents. It was still hosted at http://gear.viper007bond.com/ and was fully dynamic, rather than like the previous site that was static. However, by the end of 2004, the site had outgrown my shared hosting account resulting in a close of the forums and not long after, my host made me kill this site from my account.

    That resulted in the site being moved to it's own domain name and donated hosting and how the site came to be known as FinalGear.com. During the move, we redesigned the site again to look like what it does now."


    Basically, at the Final Gear you will find a place to discuss current episode of your favorite TV show, and the place to show your admiration/disdain towards Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May or Tiff Needell, Vicki, Jason, and Tom. And the best part is that you will also find some torrent files there :) 

Ferrari F149

    Rumor has it that a new Ferrari code-name F149 is coming in January 2008 and since one of its alleged first appearance will be at the Detroit Motor Show the new Ferrari model may get a California name tag. Geneva Motor Show in March is other possible date for this model's first presentation to the public.

    There are many rumors, but very little facts about the new Ferrari model. This "we want it to be named Dino" Ferrari is supposed to be a F430 replacement. The new model will be powered by a next generation 4.3 liter V8 engine with direct fuel injection. Until January, or March :), enjoy this spy video of F149 being tested at the Nurburgring.

Italian Supercars in 2008

    This year is almost over and it's a good time to start looking at what models we will be seeing in 2008.


    Ferrari has unveiled F430 Scuderia at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the rumor has it that new F430 Challenge Stradale will be joining other F430 models early next year.


    From Lamborghini we have updated Gallardo and Murciélago LP640, and much more interesting models: Gallardo Superleggera and Reventón.


    2007 is a very interesting year for Maserati, because Maserati made profit for the first time in the last 17 years. For the 2008 we can safely say that will be even more interesting because of the new model GranTurismo.


    For the year of 2008 Pagani is introducing Zonda R Clubsport.

    With all those models coming, the year of 2008 will be very interesting for all the lovers of Italian super and sport cars.

Poll: Ferrari vs Lamborghini

I've created a separate blog just for this poll and completely forgot to promote it here so I'm correcting this error now. So far there are 38 votes total:

• Ferrari .......... 21 (55%)


• Lamborghini ...... 17 (44%)

I noticed it too. There is a one percent missing in action :) There are 27 days left so don't be lazy, go and
Vote here!

Off topic: I'm in the process of redesigning this blog and if you have any suggestions now is time to speak ;)

Ferrari won a Formula One Constructors’ Chamipionship

Ferrari is a Formula One constructors' champion after McLaren decided not to appeal against the FIA's verdict. Too bad, Ron Dennis proved me wrong :)

On the other hand rumor has it that Fernando Alonso, reigning world champion, will leave Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and join Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro for the next season.

Alonso is at two points from Hamilton, the championship lead. Hamilton has a fantastic season, he is a rookie and he leads Formula One championship.

Off topic: I'm looking for a new template for this blog.

Pay tribute to Colin McRae

On September 15th, the Scottish rally driver, Colin McRae, his young son Johnny, and two more passengers were killed in a helicopter accident. This tragedy shocked the automotive world. Fans all over the world are paying tribute to Colin McRae. Here is a nice video by Antti:



I invite you to leave condolences for Colin's family.

McCrash RIP

Ferrari Enzo Wreck

"Mysterious Dietrich" or how Trevor Michael Karney, 27, just got himself a nice 30 day jail sentence and three years probation. He was involved with the February 21, 2006, crash, when he'd claimed that he was a driver of a Mercedes-Benz who saw how Dietrich had left a Bo Stefan Eriksson's Ferrari Enzo.

Just a quick reminder of their original story. Eriksson and "Dietrich" were in Ferrari Enzo. Dietrich was a driver and after he'd crashed Enzo he fled into the hills. Karney arrived just in time to see Dietrich running.

The result: Eriksson who's been accused of stealing a car, got 3 years jail sentence, Karney got 30 day jail term and three years probation, and the Enzo got this look:





Police officer looking for Dietrich. LOL

Pierre Scerri's Ferrari 312 PB

Or how seeing a Ferrari at young age can make you do strange things. This is the story about Pierre Scerri and his remarkable devotion. Here's Jeremy Clarkson interviewing him, it's an old video, probably from 1992 when he finished his Ferrari:



And here is a short excerpt from the article at The Internet Craftsmanship Museum:

"Back in the 1970's, Pierre Scerri was a big racing fan. He loved the look and the sound of the Ferrari race cars that graced the European sports car races he attended. As a young telecommunications engineer he wanted very much to own such a car, but realized there was no way he could ever afford to buy one. If he wanted to have a car like that, he would have to build one himself. He started with drawings of each part of the car—a project that took three years in itself working just from photographs of the real car. He then started on construction of the car. The 12-year construction odyssey took Pierre on a journey though virtually every process needed to build the full size car. He learned to mold his own rubber tires, cast his own glass headlights, make his own battery, weld the tube frame, build the shock absorbers and such delicate tasks as making a miniature tachometer and other working gauges. The drawing and machining skills were learned from reading books, as he had not been given any training in these subjects when in school.

Of course, there was the running 100 cc, fuel injected, dry sump, flat 12-cylinder engine; the heart of the car that had to be built too. The engine alone took three years, and just tuning the exhaust to get the proper "Ferrari music" took almost six months (and three different sets of exhaust pipes) before Pierre was satisfied. To learn pattern and mold making to do the castings, he attended a foundry school in Marsaille. Bodywork, upholstery, electrical system—all had to be fabricated from scratch. The only part that required some collaboration because of its exotic metallurgy and tight machining specifications was the gearbox. For this Peirre was able to work with Colleti, the famous builder of the full-size Ferrari racing gearboxes who lent their expertise in making the actual gears used inside the cast case. The 5-speed box also has a working reverse gear. In total, Pierre estimates a total of over 20,000 hours was devoted to completing the car, which was finished in 1992." continue reading

Well, if that isn't a dedication, then I don't know what is.

Spy Games 2

    Ferrari can be satisfied with Thursday's FIA's ruling that fined McLaren a $100 million and stripped them of their 2007 constructors' championship points. McLaren drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, were not fined. Still, I don’t think this is over yet.

Anyhow, here is Ron Dennis's statement:



PRESS INFORMATION - STATEMENT FROM RON DENNIS 

Paris, France, Thursday 13th September 2007


"The most important thing is that we will be going motor racing this weekend, the rest of the season and every season. This means that our drivers can continue to compete for the World Championship. However having been at the hearing today I do not accept that we deserved to be penalised in this way."

"Today’s evidence given to the FIA by our drivers, engineers and staff clearly demonstrated that we did not use any leaked information to gain a competitive advantage."

"Much has been made in the press and at the hearing today of emails and text messages to and from our drivers. The World Motorsport Council received statements from Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Pedro de la Rosa stating categorically that no Ferrari information had been used by McLaren and that they had not passed any confidential data to the team."

"The entire engineering team in excess of 140 people provided statements to the FIA affirming that they had never received or used the Ferrari information."

"We have never denied that the information from Ferrari was in the personal possession of one of our employees at his home. The issue is: was this information used by McLaren? This is not the case and has not been proven today."

"We are also continually asked if McLaren didn’t use the information, what was the reason for Stepney and Coughlan collecting all this data about Ferrari? We can only speculate as neither Coughlan nor Stepney gave evidence at today’s hearing, but we do know that they were both seeking employment with other teams, as already confirmed by both Honda and Toyota."

"There will be no issue for the 2008 season as we have not at any stage used any intellectual property of any other team."

"We have got the best drivers and the best car and we intend to win the World Championship."
- ENDS -

Related posts: Spy Games and The Formula One Espionage Scandal

Pagani Zonda vs. Lamborghini Murcielago

We all know how fast Murcielago is, but what about Zonda? To help you appreciate this beautiful car I found you a nice video of Jeremy Clarkson, of Top Gear fame, driving a Zonda:



Pagani Automobili S.p.A. doesn't have Ferrari's history or Lamborghini's fame, but this independent supercar manufacturer sure knows how to make a car.

Lamborghini Murcielago Twin Turbo

This is no car, this is a jet. With the wings attached I bet you it would fly. Lamborghini Murcielago Twin Turbo, built by Doug Levin Motorsports, makes 800 HP at the motor. And what a noise this Lambo makes! See for yourselves in this video:



BTW, this is the first Lamborghini Murcielago Twin Turbo ever built.

Pagani Zonda R

Ferrari FXX just got a serious competition. New Pagani Zonda with its 750 hp engine built by the Mercedes AMG aims for the title of the best Italian supercar.





Here’s the press release from Pagani Automobili S.p.A.

Press Release
Zonda R

While we certainly cannot say the Zonda F lacks performance figures, driving around the Nürburgring in 7:32 and achieving lateral G forces of almost 1.5 G, it is however a road car, easy to drive, intuitive and setting the benchmark for comfort, safety and lightweight. Paired with a quality finish and the attention to detail this made the Zonda F one of the most desirable supercars resulting in the 25 Coupé models being sold out in record time.

This did not seem to fulfil the requirements of our most demanding customers, who adore the weekend drive on a racetrack.
The spark has been set by an Italo-American customer, enthusiast and already proud owner of 3 Zondas. He describes the project this way: “The thought has been on my mind for quite some time, but I am not interested in racing”.
The Zonda R is born with full liberty. The target: the ultimate performance at the racetrack without any implications of rules, except for safety, where no compromise is allowed.

In September 2006 the first drawings were ready, but it was crucial to have the support of Mercedes-AMG for a high revving engine with a power output of 750hp, dry sump, light and with a low centre of gravity. The basis was the self supporting engine of the mighty CLK GTR, which has dominated the GT championships.
Eve at constant racing pace the engine would have to cover over 5.000 km before servicing. The challenge has been accepted without hesitation.

The Zonda R is a car designed from scratch, with only 10% of the Zonda F components to be carried over. The suspension forged in Avional, a new Pagani six speed transversal sequential gearbox, carbon fibre monocoque, aeronautical four pump fuel tank are only part of the equation.

The wheelbase has grown by 47mm, the overall length by 394 mm and the track is increased by 50mm. The bodywork and aerodynamics have been studied to offer maximum downforce. Even though built for the track, the project would not have received kick off, if the quality and finish of the car and its details was not up to the level of the Pagani road cars.

One of the first cars to be delivered however will be kept in a living room, designed by Pagani and built with the same materials as the Zonda F, beautifully textured carbon fibre, avional, titanium, inconel and other state of the art materials. Additionally it will feature a bespoke HiFi System that will allow the customer to listen to the sound of this car at Le Mans and the Nürburgring.

The Pagani customers who have ordered the Zonda R will be relieved of almost 1.2 million + taxes.



Technical Specifications
Zonda R

This Zonda is purpose made for track use, without restrictions of any competition rules or homologation, with the only exclusion of the passengers’ integrity, where no compromise is tolerated according to our philosophy and state-of-the-art safety measures are featured.

A new heart

The engine is built by the racing specialists at Mercedes AMG, where the championship winning DTM cars are born, as well as the CLK GTR, probably the most devastating and effective weapon ever to compete in the GT series. From it’s engine the Zonda R borrows the basic architecture including an ingenious dry sump allowing a low centre of gravity. This self-supporting engine with 750 hp at 8000 rpm and 710 Nm of torque carries a lightweight carbon fibre highperformance intake system, a racing multiple disc sintered clutch and Formula 1 style exhaust system, hydroformed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation. The power unit combined with a 6 speed transversal manual sequential synchronised gearbox is designed to satisfy the most ambitious drivers.

The chassis

The central carbon chassis will incorporate a roll cage and a rubber racing fuel tank with 4 fuel pumps and quick refuel filler like on GT race cars. The wheelbase has been increased by 47mm to offer the best stability. The front and rear subframes are brand-new, built to accommodate a new suspension geometry, produced in avional. The magnesium forged rims with central wheel nut and a quick pneumatic lifting system allows fast and effortless changes of the slick tyres.

Bodywork and aerodynamics

The new bodywork has been honed to offer elevated downforce even in low speed corners. The longer front bonnet with flaps, closed underbody and the rear overhang with the adjustable rear wing and race derived diffusor translate into shattering aerodynamic efficiency and will let you experience cornering speeds beyond imagination. The car displays and logs information about the amount of dowforce that the car is generating at each moment. Combined with the adjustable wings you can easily find the best setup for each track.

Workstation

The interior is designed to accommodate the driver and passenger in bespoke seats, built to offer the best support, when the G-forces from the vehicle dynamics come into question. The Digitek instrumentation provides the essential information and a sophisticated telemetry allows through a variety of sensors to monitor every single component of the car.



technical data

Type V12 - M120
V - angle 60°
Displacement 5987 ccm
Stroke 80,20 mm
Bore 89,00 mm
Valves per cilinder 4
Horse Power 750
Power output 551 KW at 7.500 1/min
Torque output 710 Nm
Aspiration Single throttle bodies, mechanically operated
Lubrification Dry sump with separate oil tank
Firing order 1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-11-4-9



Impressive, really impressive.

New Ferrari Dino, Again?

Ferrari Dino rumors resurface again. Dino or not there is an agreement that new low-cost Ferrari will arrive for the 2009 model year. Here's report from topspeed.com:

"The car that Ferrari denies it will build will debut in 2009. The long rumored V-8 Ferrari “Dino” will be a front-engine coupe. Between 3,500 and 5,000 will be produced annually, with prices in the range of $160,000 to $180,000. Horsepower is expected to be slightly under 500, with 480 hp quoted by some. Whether there will be a cabriolet version is not known, but could be expected at some point after introduction of the coupe."

Here's a picture of "new Dino":




Not bad. Not bad at all.

New Ferrari Dino?

The reports of new Ferrari Dino are not stopping. Although Luca di Montezemolo was pretty clear about it:

"Used cars are our entry cars. We are not going to do any Dino. No way. Or a small or cheap Ferrari...what do you mean small? Less technology, less innovation...no, no, no. I don't know why that story came out, I deny it."

Here are the pictures of "new Ferrari Dino" (599 GTB anyone?) :





via autoblog.com

So, is there a new Ferrari Dino or the 599 GTB is getting a facelift?

Ferrari Enzo vs Lamborghini Gallardo vs Ford GT vs Ascari

What happens when the four great supercars race each other? Well, you got it right; Ferrari wins :) Here is the short and sweet video:



To save you some time here is the final result:

1st Enzo Ferrari
2nd Ford GT
3rd Ascari
4th Lamborghini Gallardo

We all know about Ferrari, Lamborghini, and even Ford GT, but that Ascari is really fast.

Lamborghini Gallardo On Fire

And now for something completely different: Lambo on fire :)

Ferrari On Fire

This is sad; whenever I search for Ferrari the one of the first results is Ferrari on fire. Here are three of them, on fire of course, which I found on youtube:

1. Testarossa

This is incident from Norway, just a small fire with no visible damage to the car.
The best thing about this video is comment by 65ShelbyClone:
"Testarossa or Testa-ROAST-a? ;)"




2. Ferrari 430 spider on Fire

Night of flames and fire, and again a funny comment by BlakeSchneider:
"A Gallardo passed it so fast that it combusted."




3. Ferrari 612 burning

Gabriel Popescu, a Romanian football (soccer for Americans) player, is losing his car. No funny comments :)

Ferrari F430 On Fire Video

As an update to my previous post here's the video of burning F430 at South Luzon Expressway in Philippines.



You can see a policeman with a handheld extinguisher trying to put out the fire, but with no success.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Here's the million dollar question, what is this?



Well, this is Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, or better to say what is left from it. Yep, it's hard to believe that this is what left from this beauty:



The owner of this Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 has a site dedicated to this car with very interesting question:


"Lamborghini Murciélago

Or: - A dream becomes a nightmare -


Driving mistake or material defect on a straight Autobahn at about 68% of maximum speed and a skilled driver on board?
Be your own judge!
- The manufacturer Lamborghini remains silent... -"

I suggest you to go there and see it for yourself, but before you go to visit that site you can visit this one too: $300,000 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Destroyed

Bad luck or something else?

Spy Games

As I predicted here the battle between Ferrari and McLaren is not over yet. The
trial is reopened again, but this time with Ferrari presenting the evidence.
The excerpt from the letter of Max Mosley, the president of FIA, to the
president of CSAI, Luigi Macaluso, is opening the possibility to any F1 team to
participate:


"Your letter suggests that the outcome may have been different if the Council
had given Ferrari further opportunities to be heard beyond those that were in
fact offered.

Because of this and the importance of public confidence in the outcome, I will
send this matter to the FIA Court of Appeal under Article 23.1 of the FIA
Statutes with a request that the Court hear both Ferrari and McLaren and any
other Championship competitor who so requests and determine whether the
decision of the WMSC was appropriate and, if not, substitute such other
decision as may be just."

I have no idea why he is giving other teams opportunity to be heard on Court,
as far as I know the only involved party beside Ferrari and McLaren, was Honda
and the only thing they do was interviewing Nigel Stepney and Mike Coughlan for
the job position.

In the mean time, the McLaren strikes back with the claim that Ferrari used
illegal car at the beginning of the Championship and that is the reason behind
Ferrari's Australian Grand Prix win. Hot summer indeed!