Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car

Mazda is set to challenge Aston Martin, Porsche, Lotus, and BMW on the race track with its lightweight Mazda MX-5 GT entry in the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship 2011.
Weighing in at just 850kg, the Mazda MX-5 GT race car will accelerate from 0-to-60mph in just three seconds and hit a top speed of 160mph. The build of the car has been an engineering challenge to get the weight as low as possible using Mazda's gram strategy as the inspiration. Jota Sport examined every nut and bolt to reduce component weight and then match the power to the weight to give the lightest and most powerful MX-5 ever built.

An important aspect of the build was to ensure the Mazda MX-5 still remains true to its roots: great handling, huge fun-to-drive and the ability to challenge bigger more powerful competition, but at an affordable cost. The Mazda GT car ticks all those boxes and is now set to demonstrate its challenger spirit on the track.
Jota Sport, the race engineering team that will run the cars in the 2011 series, took 400 hours to build the shell to a specification that ensured it was 17 times stronger than required by the FIA. During the development they faced a number of engineering challenges such as suspension adjustments, integrating the six speed sequential gearbox, and lowering the engine. Weight saving strategies such as, the removal of interior components, reducing component weight and dipping the shell in acid lost 15kg from the MX-5 race car.
The completed Mazda MX-5 GT features a modified Mazda engine to produce 275bhp, a six speed sequential paddle shift gearbox, carbon doors and Polycarbonate windows. On the exterior, the Mazda MX-5 GT boasts a Spirited Green metallic body colour - a first on the MX-5 for Mazda UK - complimented by Jota Sport corporate coloured liveries in orange and grey.
Mazda is renowned for challenging conventions so the motivation to develop a Mazda MX-5 GT car comes naturally. It also comes at a time when Mazda has recently celebrated a number of milestones for MX-5 including its 21st anniversary and producing 900,000 MX-5 units globally since its introduction in 1989, with over 10 percent of global MX-5 sales from Britain. Meanwhile, the Mazda MX-5 continues to hold the Guinness World Record as the world's best‑selling roadster - testament to its continued popularity with British open top sports car fans.
The Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship is contested over nine races from March to November including a race at the Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The first race is a three hour endurance race at Silverstone next weekend, Saturday 26 March 2011, starting at 3.00pm.
This is the fourth time that Mazda has entered Britcar and this year the Mazda MX-5 GT car will be driven by two Mazda works drivers including experienced Mazda racing driver Mark Ticehurst, 39 from Hassocks, West Sussex and Auto Express journalist and racing driver Owen Mildenhall.
"The MX-5 production race car's modest power output, bullet proof reliability and nimble handling demonstrated last year how the MX-5 can be competitive against some of the purpose-built Lotus, VW and BMW race cars. With a higher power output combined with the durability, reliability and handling attributes that the MX-5 is renowned for; the Mazda MX-5 GT race car will be strong contender against the more powerful race cars in its class," comments Graeme Fudge, PR Director, Mazda UK.
The Mazda MX-5 GT car, prepared by Tunbridge Wells-based Jota Sport features the mandatory FIA approved safety equipment including a roll cage, race seats and harness, external electric cut-off and fire extinguisher, safety catches on the bonnet and boot lids, competition steering wheel and alloy wheels, while the running gear, rear axle, gearbox and engine have been modified to enhance performance

BMW X6 2012

 BMW is not too secretive appearance changes on the new BMW X6 SUV variant 2012.

Recent photos from the 2012 X6 is shown being tested in Europe. Virtually any change can be seen on the front face with more slanting headlamp and grille are slightly rounded. Part bumper has a grille on the left and right, or under lights.

The back of the car also looks sexy, where there are two exhaust on the left and right. Seen sloping rear glass and rear lights also changed the design.

 

This car will reportedly have a new diesel engine capital tri-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder. With a capacity capable of producing 350 PS (258 kW / 345 hp) hinga 400 PS (294 kW / 395 hp).

Facelift 2012 BMW X6 will make its debut next year.

Mazda Minagi Concept

The Mazda Minagi concept car embodies Mazda's new SkyActiv technologies and new KODO design language, signaling the way for the next generation of Mazda cars to come.
The Mazda Minagi concept makes its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show as the expression of Mazda's new SkyActiv technologies and new KODO design language. It is the first model which showcases characteristics likely to be seen in the next generation of Mazda cars.
For this reason, Mazda has fully incorporated its SkyActiv technologies into every aspect of driving performance, including the powertrain, chassis, and even body design. As the second concept vehicle to incorporate Mazda's new 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design language, Minagi challenges conventions with emotional design and exhilarating performance.

While Shinari was a pure design concept to express the full potential of KODO design, Mazda Minagi gives a glimpse of the next generation of products to come. As the second concept car to adopt Mazda's KODO design theme, Minagi's design elements combine the expression of energy pulsing throughout the vehicle with the keen agility to move about freely and nimbly. With its upright, compact packaging, Mazda Minagi offers a vision of KODO design that is different to Shinari, yet it shares the same sinuous, powerful stance.
"I wanted to convey something different from the Mazda Shinari. I felt a compact crossover SUV was the perfect vehicle to express agility and focused movement; the flexibility of four limbs moving in unison, and an upright posture."

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4

By launching the world's first diesel full hybrid vehicle - the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid 4 - Peugeot will be writing a new chapter in motoring history. The combination of a fuel efficient 2.0 litre 163 bhp HDi diesel engine and a 37 bhp electric motor is the optimal combination for a hybrid vehicle. Unlike previous hybrid vehicles which have chosen to use a less fuel efficient petrol engine, the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4's diesel engine provides superior Combined Drive Cycle fuel consumption of 74.4mpg, and CO2 emissions of 99g/km.
The use of diesel hybrid technology also brings a range of other benefits:

• High performance combined with excellent driveability


• Freedom and simplicity of use with the possibility of choosing four different operating modes: ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle), Four-wheel drive, Auto and Sport


• Silent operation, when driving in electric only mode


• Peace of mind offered by the safety inherent in a four-wheel drive vehicle


• Environmental friendliness with CO2 emissions from 99g/km

The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 is designed to appeal to demanding, technophile customers who are in search of a rewarding and original vehicle.

In terms of performance, the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 benefits from the combined power of the HDi diesel engine and electric motor during acceleration and when an immediate surge of power is required (the "boost" function). The maximum combined power output is 200 bhp, 163 bhp from the 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine and 37 bhp from the electric motor. A maximum torque of 500 Nm is available, split with 300Nm at the front from the HDi diesel engine and 200 Nm at the rear generated by the electric motor.

KTM Prepare New Models to 2014

Image of KTM new model for the next three years uncovered after an American dealers from taking pictures with camera phones in the middle of the presentation.

The photographs showed the model from 2012 until 2014, of which R 690 Enduro and motocross latest for the 2012 model Duke 350, Adventure Super Duke R 1090 and R 1290 as a 2013 model and Moto3 Enduro 350 and 350 for model 2014.
 

Moto3 350 which is designed fullfairing touted as a modern model that is able to replace older models such as the class 250 cc Suzuki RGV250, Aprilia RS250 and Honda NSR250.

Talk to 350cc engines, KTM seems to want to create your own category after one successful model in the market ie SX-F350.

Adventure R 1090 is prepared to take off the market saturation with a 990cc model, with reinforced Super Duke R 1290 engine which uses all-new V-Twin.

Besides the models mentioned above, there is also an electric motor like a freeride model. KTM wants to try to step far into the future where will be the future, this Austrian manufacturer plans to use off-road engine power.

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

Sports car manufacturer, Lamborghini is ready to make a breakthrough in September to introduce a new sports car. Lamborghini is not saying, but the news last blow that car was the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento.
According to the plan, Lamborghini will introduce a super sports car mat Tuesday at the Frankfurt Motor Show which opens on September 13, as quoted from leftlanenews next Wednesday (08/03/2011).

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento which is the production version will be introduced after the concept version shown at the auto show Paris Motor Show in 2010.
This car merupaka a very special car. For the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento using carbon fiber materials for the entire material. Sesto Elemento own name seems to refer to the number of carbon atoms of the element which is the figure 6 (Sixth Element).
By using the carbon fiber body weight of the car becomes very light which is only 999 kg. Super lightweight body is also a benefit for the speed enthusiast.
Due to the lightweight body, boost a typical malignant Lamborghini engine capable of carrying Sesto Elemento ran 0-100 km / h in just 2.5 seconds, with a maximum speed reaches 354 km / hour.

Ability is obtained from the ear of a capacity of 5.2 liter V10 engine that reportedly will strengthen the kitchen of this Italian car racing. This machine has a power of 560 horsepower.
Reportedly, this car will be produced only in very limited quantities of 20 units only. And because the specifications are almost perfectly with the amount of production very limited, it is no wonder that most likely the price of this car will greatly deplete the pockets of the millionaires. Chances are, Lamborghini Sesto Elemento be released at a price range of U.S. $ 2.9 million
When it does occur, then even this super-fast car will asked as the world's most expensive car the Bugatti Veyron to get rid of the crown which currently has it.
Because the numbers are slightly more expensive than the Bugatti Veyron's price tag is removed from the 1.45 million pounds or approximately up to 1.62 million pounds

2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta

The Ferrari 599 SA Aperta is a true roadster which allows its occupants to enjoy the superlative emotions afforded by our signature front-engined V12 architecture in a completely open-top setting. In fact, it has just a light soft top designed to be resorted to only if the weather gets particularly bad. A low-slung windscreen and the fact that it crouches lower to the ground than our other models lend the SA Aperta an exceptionally aerodynamic sleekness. Its profile arches back from the A-post to two aerodynamic fins beautifully integrating the two roll-bars which themselves cleverly mimic the outline of the seats.

Thanks to the 670 CV engine beneath its bonnet, the SA Aperta beautifully embodies the sporty spirit of the Ferrari 599, incorporating Ferrari’s most advanced technology to deliver absolutely benchmark performance and superb driving pleasure. Its interior too is stylishly sporty with particularly sophisticated materials, trim and colours used throughout. The virtually endless combinations available guarantee that each and every SA Aperta is absolutely unique.
The Ferrari 599 SA Aperta is a special series model of which a strictly limited number of just 80 will be built. All have already been sold. Ferrari chose to build 80 SA Apertas in celebration of Pininfarina’s 80th anniversary. The SA nomenclature also pays homage to both Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina whose company and work have been linked to the most successful road-going cars ever built at Maranello.

Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition

Chevrolet Camaro, America's most popular sports car, extends its momentum with enhancements for the 2012 model year. Highlights include an improved version of its standard 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine, a new FE4 performance suspension package for SS coupes and several interior and technology improvements, such as a revised instrument panel design, new steering wheel and rear camera system.
The enhancements arrive in time for Camaro's 45th birthday, which will be celebrated with the release of the Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Special Edition. Continuing the tradition of Camaro anniversary models, the 45th Anniversary Special Edition carries all the upgrades for 2012, with additional unique design elements, inside and out.

"The appeal of Camaro design and performance has powered it to the top of its segment," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "For 2012, we're capitalizing on that momentum with enhancements to Camaro's performance and comfort."
Also coming in early 2012 is the high-performance Camaro ZL1, the most technologically advanced car ever developed in its segment.
Class-leading 3.6L V-6 engine
Camaro's new 3.6L direct injection V-6 - the LFX engine - goes into production in the summer of 2011. It delivers an SAE-certified 323 horsepower (241 kW) at 6,800 rpm - an increase of 11 horsepower (8 kW) over the 2011 engine, with no compromise in fuel economy.

2011 Martinsville: NASCAR Sprint Cup - Tires Have Cup Drivers Skittish

 Sprint Cup drivers say they are concerned about tires for Sunday’s race as the Goodyear tires are leaving marbles of rubber on the track and have not rubbered in the Martinsville Speedway.

The .526-mile racing surface is a mix of asphalt with concrete corners. Goodyear brought a
different tire to prevent grating on the left-side tires as they slide across the concrete. Softer right-side tires were selected to add grip and compensate for the change in grip of the lefts.

Tire issues, which surfaced Friday, are not rare for the track. Some teams saw significant wear, but it’s not necessarily an issue about wear as much as grip and getting the track rubbered in to avoid the marbles.

"The tire is not failing," NASCAR Sprint Cup Series director John Darby said. "The tire has some different drivability characteristics that everybody is dealing with in both the truck series and Cup series.

"It’s a combination of a little tougher left side and a little softer right side; it makes the cars feel different. It’s really hard to make a judgment either way right now until we see 500 laps of racing."

If the tires continue to marble, it will make passing difficult because drivers won’t want to take a higher line in an attempt to advance through the field in Sunday's Goody's Fast Relief 500.

"The tire is really crappy, but that’s just the way it is," Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. "There’s not much they can do about it. … Once you get in the marbles, you ruined that set. There’s no way to get them off.

"We don’t go fast enough here to really get them off. It was real messy all day (in practice)."

Because Cup drivers had both practice sessions on Friday and were on the track for only two laps of qualifying Saturday, they hope that the track rubbered in during Saturday afternoon’s Kroger 250 Camping World Truck Series race.

"We have seen (these issues) before here on a clean racetrack," Jeff Gordon said. "I’m just surprised it never really laid rubber. … Great intentions (by Goodyear), and we all want that more grip.

"But we’re really struggling a lot with some really bad loose conditions, getting in the corners and getting off the corners. I’m just glad we weren’t alone in that."

Kyle Busch said the tires are wearing out in 25-30 laps more than usual but not yet to the cords. He said it feels as if they’re just spinning without grip. Busch’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Joey Logano crashed his primary car when it just spun around on him during practice Friday.

"They just go away really quick," Busch said. "It’s unfortunate we’re not seeing rubber down—that’s what we’re worried about."