Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/11/29/2515169/earnhardt-wins-10th-most-popular.html
Jean Alesi Jaime Alguersuari Philippe Alliot Cliff Allison Fernando Alonso
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Acura RLX
The anticipated reveal of the replacement for the Acura RL has finally made its debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The all-new Acura RLX will make its production debut in early-2013, as a 2014 model year, giving Honda?s luxury lineup a head start for 2014.
We were all starting to wonder exactly what was in store for the RLX, since Acura announced its debut. Some of the questions that arose were around its power plant and whether or not this would simply be a restyled RL with an ?X? on the end of its nameplate.
Acura answered all of those pertinent questions and then some at the auto show, as it pulled the sheet off of the new RLX and surprised everyone with a vehicle that bears little to no resemblance to its predecessor, something Honda Motor Company does not typically do. For the most part, Hondas tend to evolve rather slowly, with the exception of the latest Civic model, and rarely do we see big-time changes.
This all-new sedan is set to do battle with two newly redesigned imports, both of which debuted at the same auto show. On one side, you have the completely refreshed Toyota Avalon and on the other side, you have the redesigned Lexus ES 300h.
Can the RLX possibly fend off these two sister vehicles?
Update 11/28/2012: Acura has unveiled the production model RLX and we have updated the gallery and the review with the pictures of the all-new production-ready RLX.
Hit the jump to find out.
Acura RLX originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 28 November 2012 16:00 EST.
Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/acura/2014-acura-rlx-ar127220.html
Karl Gunther Bechem Jean Behra Derek Bell Stefan Bellof Paul Belmondo
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Campaign launched to save Team Lotus
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Source: http://blogs.espnf1.com/paperroundf1/archives/2010/11/campaign_launched_to_save_team_1.php
Enrique Bernoldi Enrico Bertaggia Ferrari Spider Tony Bettenhausen Mike Beuttler
PRUETT: Plenty Of Intrigue, Questions With Van Gisbergen's V8 Exit
Why did the V8 Supercars' hottest young gun take an odd career turn, announcing he'll step away from the series after next weekend's season finale?
Source: http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/v8-plenty-of-intrigue-questions-with-van-gisbergens-exit/
Kurt Ahrens Jr Christijan Albers Michele Alboreto Lotus Mini Cooper S
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Life in the pit lane
 The Mercedes pit crew prepare for Michael Schumacher in Singapore |
These are not select millionaires but up to 16 ordinary, yet gifted, guys; team mechanics who have worked their way up the system and often migrate from team to team, are paid real-world wages of between �30,000 and �50,000 a year, are drilled to perfection ? and whose split-second synchronisation brings their teams huge rewards.
Source: http://blogs.espnf1.com/paperroundf1/archives/2010/09/life_in_the_pit_lane.php
Jaime Alguersuari Philippe Alliot Cliff Allison Fernando Alonso Giovanna Amati
Ferrari celebrates 20 years in China [video]
Ferrari has ended yesterday its 11 months of celebrations for the firm's 20th anniversary in China.John Barber Skip Barber Paolo Barilla Rubens Barrichello Michael Bartels
Massa threatened with jail over team orders
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?A public raised on a diet of Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna were simply appalled and saddened in equal measure by Massa?s apparent lack of ambition.?
Source: http://blogs.espnf1.com/paperroundf1/archives/2010/11/massa_threatened_with_jail_ove.php
Frank Armi Chuck Arnold Rene Arnoux Peter Arundell Alberto Ascari
Audi considering R10 diesel hybrid supercar
Audi is considering a diesel hybrid supercar which would be slotted above the R8. Could be named R10.JeanPierre Beltoise Olivier Beretta Allen Berg Georges Berger
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG by Office-K
Office-K and Wald have joined forces for this custom Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG. Certainly not their best work.Source: http://feeds.worldcarfans.com/~r/worldcarfans/Jxfz/~3/61priLteVa8/mercedes-benz-g55-amg-by-office-k
Mastercard to re-enter F1?
The news that the Coca-Cola Corporation is coming into F1 with its Burn brand is great news for the sport as it is a major multinational that is recognising the marketing power of F1. In recent years there has been quite a lot of negative activity around F1 as sponsors have pulled out because of [...]
Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/mastercard-to-re-enter-f1/
Red Amick Chris Amon Bob Anderson Conny Andersson Mario Andretti
Vettel: I Deserve To Be Driving The Best Car
Sebastian Vettel has hit back at claims he is only leading the championship due to having the best all-round machine. The Red Bull RB8 has been almost untouchable during the end of the season, helping the German reel in Fernando Alonso, who once had a 40 points lead in the Drivers? Championship. Some have suggested [...]
Ferrari Spider Tony Bettenhausen Mike Beuttler 458 Italia Birabongse Bhanubandh
Cadillac ATS by D3
When it comes to tuning Cadillacs, few rank higher than D3. It is, after all, the maker of the Le Monstre CTS-V, a car that we first saw at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show.
During this year?s SEMA show, D3 was back in full force again, presenting a new program for the Cadillac ATS, which includes a new body kit. This kit consists of a revised front bumper, side skirts with optional air foils, a new roof spoiler and a rear deck lid spoiler. All these parts were built by D3 itself and comes with OEM mounting points.
On top of all the aesthetic upgrades, D3 also treated the ATS with some mechanical upgrades, including installing an adjustable coil-over suspension system that can be lowered and the spring rate adjusted to the driver?s preference or track. The ATS? suspension system also received an aftermarket lowering module that consists of two settings — "Street" or "Competition? — to help give it an extra edge in the twist. Finally, the standard air intake was also replaced by a genuine bolt-on D3 air-intake system.
These upgrades may look subtle now, but rest assured, D3 has something in store for all of us. It has built a reputation as one of the best Cadillac tuner in the world.
Pretty high expectations, sure, but D3 has earned it.
Cadillac ATS by D3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 23 November 2012 16:00 EST.
Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/cadillac/2013-cadillac-ats-by-d3-ar138435.html
Peter Arundell Alberto Ascari Peter Ashdown Ian Ashley Gerry Ashmore
Hamilton on pole with title rivals off the front row | 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying
Hamilton on pole with title rivals off the front row is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.
Lewis Hamilton heads a McLaren lock-out of the front row on the grid for the Brazilian Grand Prix as he prepared to start his final race for the team.
Hamilton on pole with title rivals off the front row is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/YJzCmP9SGDE/
Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella Mário de Araújo Cabral Frank Armi Chuck Arnold
Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC
The Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC earned its strong reputation after has dominated the world superbike championship. The bike was especially developed to be used on race tracks, but also on public roads and features a sporty look and a dynamic character.
At the heart of the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC lies a 65� V-4 engine which is the first unit of its type ever seen in a sports production bike. The engine is offered with a multimap management and cranks out 180 HP at 12,250 rpm and 115 Nm at 10,000 rpm.
Other features offered for the 2013 Aprilia RSV4 are traction control, wheelie control, launch control, Aprilia Quick Shift, new exhaust and a dual display mode for instrument panel display - ROAD and RACE.
The 2013 model is offered with the same chassis and swingarm configuration as the previous generation. The company has also kept the multi-adjustable suspension and the chassis adjustments unchanged.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC.
Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 24 November 2012 01:10 EST.
Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG confirmed for September 2013 debut in Frankfurt
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG will be unveiled in September next year at the Frankfurt Motor Show.Tony Bettenhausen Mike Beuttler 458 Italia Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi
Former Porsche CEO opens pizza chain
Ex Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking has founded the Vialino restaurant chain. He left Porsche in 2009.Derek Bell Stefan Bellof Paul Belmondo Tom Belso JeanPierre Beltoise
Lewis Hamilton: ?Here it?s so tough on the tyres?
Lewis Hamilton was in upbeat mood after practice in Brazil having topped both the morning and afternoon sessions. Hamilton says he was encouraged by the pace of the McLaren on a day when the high temperatures made it difficult for … Continue reading 
Source: http://adamcooperf1.com/2012/11/23/lewis-hamilton-here-its-so-tough-on-the-tyres/
Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella Mário de Araújo Cabral Frank Armi Chuck Arnold
Coca-Cola to enter Formula One with energy drink to rival Red Bull
Lotus has ended a long period of speculation by announcing that Coca-Cola is entering formula one as a sponsor. It had been rumoured that McLaren could secure the deal, but in fact Lotus said Coca-C...Kenny Acheson Andrea de Adamich Philippe Adams Mercedes Benz Walt Ader
Hamilton looks for long-term success at Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton's move to Mercedes is the biggest development in the Formula 1 driver market for three years.
Ahead of the 2010 season, Fernando Alonso moved to Ferrari, world champion Jenson Button switched from world champions Brawn (soon to become Mercedes) to McLaren and Michael Schumacher came out of retirement to replace Button.
Now, the man who most consider to be the fastest driver in the world has taken a huge gamble by switching from McLaren, who have the best car this year and have won five races this season alone, to Mercedes, who have won one race in three years.
To make way for Hamilton, Mercedes have ditched the most successful racing driver of all time.
Schumacher's return at the wheel of a Mercedes 'Silver Arrow' was billed as a dream for all concerned, but with one podium finish in three years the German marque have abandoned the project.
Hamilton leaves a team that has won more races in the last 30 years than anyone else. Photo: Getty
That the announcement was made just five days after the latest in a series of collisions in which Schumacher rammed into the back of another driver after misjudging his closing speed simply rubs salt into the wound.
Hamilton will be replaced at McLaren by one of F1's most promising rising stars - Sauber's Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who has taken three excellent podium finishes this year.
That's quite a shake-up, and it raises any number of fascinating questions, the first and most obvious of which is why Hamilton would leave a team that has won more races in the last 30 years than anyone else - even Ferrari - for one that has won one in the last three.
The explanation for that lies both at his new and current teams.
Mercedes sold the drive to Hamilton on the basis that they were in the best position to deliver him long-term success. In this, there are echoes of Schumacher's move to Ferrari in 1996.
Back then, the Italian team were in the doldrums, having won just one race the previous year. But Schumacher fancied a project, and saw potential. It took time, but by 1997 he was competing for the title, and from 2000 he won five in a row.
The architect of that success was Ross Brawn, then Ferrari's technical director and now Mercedes' team boss. Brawn is one of the most respected figures in F1, and Hamilton is banking on him being able to transform Mercedes in the same way as he did Ferrari.
Undoubtedly, Brawn will have made a convincing case to Hamilton; he is a very persuasive and credible man. It is also worth pointing out that Mercedes - in their former guise of Brawn - have won the world title more recently than McLaren. Button succeeded Hamilton as world champion in 2009.
Mercedes believe that the new regulations for 2014, when both the cars and engines will be significantly changed, will play into their hands.
They are devoting a lot of resources towards that year, and are optimistic they will be in good shape - just as Brawn were, in fact, when the last big rule change happened for 2009.
And Mercedes have a technical team that, on paper, is immensely strong. In Bob Bell, Aldo Costa and Geoff Willis, they have three men who have been technical directors in their own right at other top teams all working under Brawn.
Part of this argument is predicated on the fact that new engine regulations always favour teams run or directly supported by engine manufacturers, on the basis that they are best placed to benefit from developments, and to integrate the car with the engine.
But this is where that argument falls down a little - McLaren may be a mere 'customer' of Mercedes for the first time next year, but they are still going to be using Mercedes engines in 2014, and on the basis of parity of performance.
The love affair with McLaren, who took him on as a 13-year-old karting prodigy, ended some time ago.
Since 2010, Hamilton has been complaining from time to time about the McLaren's lack of aerodynamic downforce compared to the best car of the time.
Through 2009-11, he grew increasingly frustrated at his team's apparent inability to challenge Red Bull. Hamilton is well aware of how good he is, and it hurt to watch Sebastian Vettel win two titles on the trot and not be able to challenge him.
That explains his ill-advised - and dangerously public - approach to Red Bull team boss Christian Horner at the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.
This year, McLaren started the season with the fastest car for the first time since, arguably, 2005. But again they could not get out of their own way.
Pit-stop blunders affected Hamilton's races in Malaysia and China early in the season, and then a terrible mistake in not putting enough fuel in Hamilton's car in qualifying in Spain turned an almost certain win into a battle for minor points.
These errors badly affected his title charge and in early summer his management started approaching other teams.
His favoured choice was almost certainly Red Bull, but they weren't interested. They also approached Ferrari, where Alonso vetoed Hamilton. That left Mercedes.
It is ironic that his decision to move teams has been announced on the back of four races that McLaren have dominated.
Meanwhile, Hamilton's relationship with McLaren Group chairman Ron Dennis, the man who signed him up and who promoted him to the F1 team in 2007, has collapsed.
It was noticeable that after Hamilton's win in Italy earlier this month Dennis stood, arms-folded and stoney-faced, beneath the podium, not applauding once. Nor did Dennis don one of McLaren's 'rocket-red' victory T-shirts, or join in the champagne celebrations with the team once Hamilton had completed his media duties.
In Singapore last weekend, it seemed that McLaren still believed they had a chance of keeping Hamilton; at least that was the impression from talking to the team.
But did Dennis already know in Monza of Hamilton's decision to defect? Was Hamilton's sombre mood after that win a reflection of his wondering whether he had made the right decision?
Was Hamilton's ill-advised decision to post a picture of confidential McLaren telemetry on the social networking site Twitter on the morning of the Belgian Grand Prix, the weekend before Italy, the action of a man who had had enough and didn't care any more because he knew he was leaving?
When was the Mercedes deal actually finally signed?
Was it done before BBC Sport broke the story of it being imminent in the week leading up to the Italian race?
Or was it not inked, finally, until this week, on the basis that only now has the Mercedes board committed to new commercial terms with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone?
In which case, was the gearbox failure that cost Hamilton a certain victory in Singapore, and effectively extinguished his title hopes for good, the straw that broke the camel's back?
In short, was Hamilton's decision based on cold, hard logic, rooted primarily in performance, in making more money, or founded on emotion as much as calculation. Or was it a combination of all those factors?
All these questions will be answered in time. Whatever led to Hamilton's decision, it is fair to say that it is an enormous gamble, one on which the next phase of his career hangs.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2012/09/hamilton_looks_for_long-term_s.html
Mario Andretti Michael Andretti Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella
Friday, November 23, 2012
Audi Considering R10 Diesel Supercar
When Audi unveiled the R8 V12 TDI concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, everyone was impressed by its imposing design and hoped that the diesel supercar would find its way into Audi?s lineup. Unfortunately, that didn?t happen and the only V12 TDI model that remains is the Q7 SUV, which is only in the European market.
It looks like the idea isn?t completely off the table yet, as rumors are afloat that Audi is indeed working on a Le Mans-inspired hybrid-diesel supercar that will sit atop its lineup. Audi insiders have suggested that this new model could be called R10 and that it may be offered as a road-going version of the R18 e-Tron quattro.
While no details have been offered on the R10?s diesel engine, one thing is for sure; it won?t be the V-12, as it was deemed too heavy and its 700-plus pound-feet of torque was a little much for Audi?s existing line of transmissions.
Stay tuned for more details on this possible R10 supercar!
Audi Considering R10 Diesel Supercar originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 23 November 2012 12:00 EST.
Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/audi-considering-r10-diesel-supercar-ar138565.html
Allen Berg Georges Berger Gerhard Berger Eric Bernard Enrique Bernoldi
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