A remarkable grid of 40 F40s marked Ferrari’s 20th birthday at the Silverstone Classic in 2007.

• 25 years of the Ferrari F40 celebrated with world record display

A world record gathering of Ferraris is the latest special birthday celebration announced for this summer’s Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July 2012).

A remarkable grid of 40 F40s marked Ferrari’s 20th birthday at the Silverstone Classic in 2007.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the remarkable Ferrari F40, the incredible supercar rated by many ‘cognoscenti’ as the finest showroom model to have been created by the revered Italian automotive company. Commemorating such an important milestone, the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain is organising the largest collection of F40s ever seen for 2012’s running of the world’s biggest classic racing festival.

A remarkable grid of 40 F40s marked Ferrari’s 20th birthday at the Silverstone Classic in 2007.

“Our original aim was to get at least 25 of these Ferraris together and, as I have contacted owners, I have been gratified that so many want to be part of the celebration – so much so that we now have more than 50 F40s registered for the event with more still to come!” reported Nigel Chiltern-Hunt, the club’s co-ordinator for this anniversary gathering and himself the owner of one of these most loved and admired of all Ferraris. “A parade of those F40s present is planned for the Sunday and it undoubtedly will be the largest gathering of F40s ever seen anywhere in the world and will certainly beat the club’s own previous record of 40 F40s seen at the Silverstone Classic in 2007.”

First introduced in 1987 to honour Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the mid-engined F40 was the final car commissioned by the Prancing Horse’s legendary founder Enzo Ferrari – as such it was specifically designed to serve as a dramatic and lasting testament to his track-developed, high performance supercar ethos. Blessed with a dramatic ultra-lightweight body designed by Pininfarina (featuring many carbon-fibre and Kevlar panels plus plastic windows) and propelled by a twin-turbocharged V8 developing 478 horsepower, performance was nothing short of phenomenal. Indeed the F40 was the world’s first 200mph production road car and has been widely hailed as ‘the greatest supercar’ of all time.

With an original price tag of close to £300,000, just 1315 F40s were produced in Maranello between 1987 and 1992 – and no fewer than 50 of these stunning Italian sportscars will be on show at Silverstone in July.

“Silverstone is the perfect place for Ferrari to be celebrating this important milestone in the incredible F40’s history,” said Nick Wigley, Event Organiser. “It was, of course, at Silverstone in 1951 that Ferrari achieved its first grand prix win and, since then, the circuit has witnessed countless more Ferrari victories, most recently when Fernando Alonso won last year’s British Grand Prix. With such a rich sporting history, it’s no surprise that so many fabulous Ferraris star in many of the major races staged at the Silverstone Classic. Now the promise of a record number of Ferrari F40s lining up on the infield is another major attraction. It’s a truly mouth-watering prospect that no supercar enthusiast will want to miss.”

As well as the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain, a host of other car clubs have already announced their own special celebrations at this summer’s huge three-day Silverstone Classic festival. These include 50th birthday celebrations for the AC Cobra, Lotus Elan and MGB plus the UK’s first BMW Z-Fest to mark 60 years of the BMW Car Club GB.

Full details of the 2012 Silverstone Classic powered by the AA – including information on ‘Early Bird’ ticket offers and a comprehensive selection of on-site camping facilities – are available via the event’s official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

The obvious choice would be the GTR

Nissan GTR Road Car

Currently very popular with Tarmac Racer’s and GT racers all over the world.

Nissan GTR Race car

But the GTR is currently only available as a two door.
The more logical choice would be to use the Nissan Skyline Sedan currently sold in Japan, as this is a four door sedan same as the Commodore and Falcon currently run in the championship.

Nissan Skyline 250GT Four Door Sedan

But the Skyline Sedan isn’t sold in Australia, however Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti, which is launching in Australia this year, does sell a four door sedan. The Infiniti M

Infiniti M Sedan

So this would be the perfect opportunity for Nissan & Infiniti to work together to promote both brands and to help launch Infiniti to the Australian market.

The other options and the one that has been mentioned before, would be the Nissan Maxima which is sold in Australia, but the American version would be a better choice as its a nicer looking model.

US Version Nissan Maxima

Australian Version Nissan Maxima

Another model name being thrown around is the Altima, this is a model currently only sold in America and Japan and not Australia, so it doesn’t make sense to really base a race car off it.
But in saying that, there is a Hybrid version built of this car so it could be good to promote the green angle ?

US Version Nissan Altima

The final model being mentioned isn’t really made in any market currently but does have a long Motorsport history.
The Nissan Primera is alot smaller than the other cars mentioned but was successfully raced both in the UK and Australia in the 90′s.

Nissan Primera BTCC Race Car

But with the only similar model on sale today the current Pulsar, it isn’t really an ideal choice as its a lot smaller car compared to the Falcon and Commodore.

What will Nissan choose ? Its anybodies guess,  but by tommorrow afternoon we may have more of an idea.

Shot at a Subaru gathering in 2006 at Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley

With it currently 29c in Melbourne at 11:30pm, it got me thinking back to colder times.

Like when this image above was taken back in August 2005 up in the hills near Lake Mountain, taken on a random weekend cruise with some friends.

Hard to believe that we will see snow in around 6 months.

2013 Infiniti JX

The Infiniti JX, which goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide this spring, debuts the new Backup Collision Intervention system, the latest of many advanced safety and security systems brought to market first in recent years by Infiniti.  With this technology, when the transmission is in reverse, the JX will help the driver detect crossing vehicles behind the JX and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.

As a fresh alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the luxury crossover segment, the stylish Infiniti JX is designed to excel in the areas that luxury crossover buyers desire most – interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features.  The JX offers real 3-row utility, plus all the premium features, performance and innovations that Infiniti is known for worldwide.  Along with its standout styling and craftsmanship, the breakthrough JX design offers excellent legroom in all three rows and ample cargo room behind the 3rd row.  In addition, an innovative multi-mode middle seat design provides entry to the 3rd row without removing a 2nd row child seat.

Offered in both front-wheel drive and with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the Infiniti JX comes with a standard 265-horsepower (197kW) 3.5-litre DOHC V6 mated to a sport-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to provide high responsiveness and seamless, efficient shifting feel.  The JX is the first Infiniti to utilize a fuel-efficient CVT, addressing the growing desire among luxury crossover drivers to have both responsive performance and good fuel efficiency.  Fuel economy is expected to be rated at 23 mpg Highway (approximately 10.2-litres per 100km).

IPL G Convertible

The 2013 IPL G Convertible, the second model in the Infiniti Performance Line lineup, unleashes performance from a top-down, wide-open, wind-in-your-face perspective. It is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers across the United States in spring 2012.

Like the standard Infiniti G37 Convertible that serves as its foundation, the new IPL G Convertible combines seductive style with a highly engaging driving experience.  The IPL G Convertible’s VQ37HR 3.7-litre V6 engine generates 343 horsepower (255kW) – an increase of 18 horsepower (13kW) over the non-IPL G Convertible models – and 273 lb-ft of torque (370Nm), an increase of 6 lb-ft (10Nm).  It is available with an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching ad magnesium paddle shifters, along with an IPL-tuned suspension and Sport brakes.

Exterior modifications over the stock Infiniti G Convertible include a dramatic front bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, chrome exhaust tips, and exclusive 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels.  Two available exterior colors, Moonlight White and Malbec Black, add to its exclusive jewel-like presence.

The IPL G Convertible’s interior is similarly offered in just two color treatments – Stone and IPL-exclusive Monaco Red – and include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats, red-stitched steering wheel, and Silk Obi aluminum trim.

Infiniti Etherea Concept

The Etherea Concept re-imagines the compact luxury car for a discerning new generation of younger buyers, while providing a glimpse of a future Infiniti line where the brand’s convention-defying distinctiveness reaches into the compact class for the first time.  Encapsulating everything that Infiniti stands for, including no-compromise hybrid power and maximum driving pleasure, Etherea proposes a bold new approach to the premium compact segment.

Designed in Japan under the direction of Shiro Nakamura, Etherea is more coupe than hatchback in inspiration, with many Infiniti design signatures first seen on the Infiniti Essence concept supercar.  Its dynamic character and highly sculptural form provide a silhouette unlike anything currently in the class.  The B-pillar-less design and opposing doors provide a feeling of interior openness, with elegantly slender consoles between the four seats housing ancillary controls.  Etherea’s craftsmanship is inspired by Japanese culture and re-interpreted through leading-edge technologies.

And being an Infiniti, there is also a large helping of sports car in Etherea’s engineering.  The concept car has been designed for a potent yet highly efficient hybrid drivetrain based around the innovative one electric motor/twin clutch system now available in the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid.  Its supercharged 245-horsepower (185kW) 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine provides quick response and strong acceleration, while the electric motor provides silent, emission-free driving at low speeds

One of the most famous movie cars in the world is to be sold by COYS the international car auctioneers at the Autosport International show in Birmingham on Saturday January 14th and it could go for as much as £100,000.

The star of the 1974 film ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ was undoubtedly the 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 named Eleanor. When the producers of the 2000 remake were looking for a car to feature in a climactic chase sequence, another mustang was the natural choice. In order to stand out amongst the array of exotic sports cars also featuring in the movie, it was decided that the Mustang would need to be something special.

Famed Hot Rod illustrator Steve Stanford was enlisted to create a 1967 Mustang GT500 and former Boyd Coddington designer Chip Foose was hired by the production company to turn Stanford’s work into a reality.
Working from Stanford’s drawings with Ray Claridge of Cinema Vehicle Services in North Hollywood, wings with new wider wheel arches, a bonnet with a prominent bulge, a deep front valance and side skirts and a spoiler incorporated into the boot lid were designed. PIAA lights were installed in both the nose and tail and a distinctive billet grille was specified. The Schmidt 17×8-inch wheels that finish off the cars external appearance were sourced while the interior was kept as a standard Shelby interior with a monster tachometer and a subtle roll hoop.

Twelve cars were built in total, five of which were stunt cars that didn’t survive the filming. The car being sold is one of the very small number that remain.

More specifically, this is one of the three ‘hero’ cars, built not just to be functional but also to be used for scenes involving the actors themselves. Designated number 7, this actual car would have been used for driving shots or, with a camera mounted, for dialogue or interior action shots featuring the actors.

According to the supplied copy of the build sheet, in addition to the bodywork modifications, the preparation of this particular 1967 Mustang fastback involved replacing the 289 cubic inch V8 with a 351 cubic inch Ford Racing crate motor fitted with a ‘big’ camshaft and 700cfm Holley 4-barrel carburettor. Total Control Products lowered the suspension with coil over front suspension and Willwood disk brakes all round with 6 piston callipers on the front. Though not functional in the movie, the side exhausts were made functional by Cinema Vehicle Services when filming was completed. The Fuel Safe tank is filled through a Mach 1 cap on the C-Pillar.

‘Eleanor’ is essentially unchanged today from when she completed her starring role. Instantly recognisable whether a movie aficionado or not, the Mustang is in very good condition overall. The paintwork, resplendent in metallic Grey with Black stripes, is in excellent condition. The interior is equally fine with carpets and seats clean and free from significant wear or damage. To say the engine sounds healthy would be an understatement. The side exit exhausts make a satisfying and potent rumble, which sets hairs on end. As seen in the movie, the switch to arm the Nitrous Oxide system and ‘go baby go’ switch on the gear lever are present and correct.

Chris Routledge Managing Director at COYS said: We have a reputation for selling some of the most famous movie cars in the world including the Batmobile.  The Eleanor Mustang is one of only two original cars in private hands. We are offering an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire one of the cars that actually appeared in the movie and which will undoubtedly increase in value in years to come.”

International GT sports will see a spectacular and powerful package in 2012. The German company SARENI United is now offering the newly designed Camaro GT. The US car will make an impression on racing tracks all around the world with its 800 Nm from up to 650 HP. The power is transmitted to the rear tyres from a 7.9 litre eight-cylinder (V8) by a newly designed HOLINGER gear box. The HOLINGER speed shift system with paddle shift on the steering wheel is extremely light, weighing only 37 kg, shifts gears very fast and is designed for high torque. The US engine developer KATECH received clear specifications: close-to-production, low cost, service performance of 10,000 km and maximum power.

The car was developed under the direction of Reiter Engineering in Germany. Founder and owner Hans Reiter got the idea when he went to the USA in 2010. “I was immediately fascinated by the design. The Camaro is a real men’s car, a muscle car, it is designed to be on a race track”, says Hans Reiter who founded SARENI United especially for this project.

A team of 12 developed the new car within one year. The FIA approved the start of the homologation in October 2010.

The first tests with the prototype went extremely well. The leading developer for SARENI United, Franz Russegger, was satisfied. “The Camaro is fast and the lap times are similar to the Lamborghini Gallardo. We had hoped for this result but there is still a lot of work to do”.

Security is another special focus for the Camaro GT. In addition to the mandatory roll cage it provides a newly designed fuelling system which was developed by Krontec and will raise the bar with regard to security. Krontec will launch this system in 2012. There is also a big crush zone in the front and the rear of the car, conditioned by the outside dimensions.

“I am looking forward to the first race of the Camaro GT, it will be very exciting. The racing car is an option for a lot of teams because it provides an interesting cost structure. Uwe Geipel‘s team YACO will use two cars for the ADAC GT Masters races. Perhaps they can also compete in the GT3 European Championship. We also have a lot of serious requests from the GT4 and touring car series. Our idea of attracting new customers instead of taking away teams from other manufacturers has worked so far”, says Hans Reiter happily.

The planned revision cycle for the engine and the gear box is at 5,000 km and both parts are expected to work for 10,000 km. New measurements and impressions after an intensive test programme with the experienced pilot Peter Kox (NLD) and Charlie Geipel (DEU) will result in further improvements before the first cars will be delivered.

The Camaro GT is a new and cost-effective GT racing car which will attract more teams. The developers continue working on the racing car to make it suitable for endurance races.

YACO Racing Team from Germany is the first team to order two Camaros which will be used in the ADAC GT Masters races in Germany in 2012. The cars will be delivered in March, in time for the debut of the Camaro GT in Oschersleben from April 12th – 14th.

Specifications:

Engine: V8, 7,883 ccm cubic capacity, up to 650 HP

Torque: > 800 Nm

Drive: Rear wheel

Gear box: Holinger shift speed system with rocker switch on the steering wheel

Weight: 1,295 kg

Wheel base: 2,886 mm

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 28th December, 2011 – To celebrate the centenary of Ford of Britain in 2011 the company has explored its photo archive to reveal rarely seen images.

Ford’s unique relationship with Britain and its society has been illustrated each week by specially selected pictures.

Rallying is a tough, and sometimes cruel, sport.  Designed as a Group B rally car, the RS200 was turbocharged, mid-engined, light, 4-wheel driven, and fast on any surface.  As regulations demanded, 200 examples were built in the UK with production starting in 1986.

Its rallying career was cut short when the FIA reacted to a number of serious accidents by banning aerodynamic devices on Group B cars and then calling a halt to the entire class from 1987.  As a result the RS200 was transformed from stark rally car to a more luxurious road car specification, albeit one that was still cramped, noisy, high-revving and physically demanding to drive.

• GT1 World Championship to be held with GT3 cars in 2012
• Team WRT from Belgium is set on battling for championship
• Two new Audi R8 LMS ultra cars on the grid

Ingolstadt, December 20, 2011 – The new Audi R8 LMS ultra will also be competing in the FIA GT1 World Championship next year. Two vehicles of the brand new customer sport race car will be independently fielded by Team WRT in the world’s highest-calibre GT racing series.

Successful ascent: when Audi in the 2009 season initiated its customer sport programme with the R8 LMS for the GT3 class, this class was one of four major GT categories. Meanwhile the GT3 is not only making its mark nationally but increasingly on an international level as well. Following the inception of a FIA European Championship for GT3 models in 2006, there will also be a FIA GT1 World Championship exclusively held for GT3 vehicles in the future. Consequently, the Audi R8 LMS ultra will be able to compete in the world’s top racing class for GT vehicles and, in the 2012 season, fight for a world champion’s title of its own for the first time.

“We very much welcome the decision of the FIA World Motor Sport Council on December 7th in favour of the GT3 cars,” emphasises Werner Frowein, Managing Director of quattro GmbH. “In the future, this vehicle class will not only stand for high-calibre national and European customer sport but also for the world’s pinnacle in GT racing. We are delighted that Team WRT has submitted its entry for the World Championship and will be representing the colours of Audi Sport customer racing.”

The squad based in Flénu, Belgium, has been fielding the Audi R8 LMS in various European championships since 2010. Only two years old, the team has celebrated some remarkable successes this season, having clinched overall victories at the Spa and the Zolder 24 Hours plus having won the Blancpain Endurance Series. “The GT1 World Championship is a wonderful new commitment for us,” says a pleased Team Director Vincent Vosse. “We’re facing a challenging new task which all of our team members are looking forward to.”

According to the wishes of World Championship promoter SRO each team is to compete with two cars of a single vehicle model from a single brand, respectively. While in most GT3 racing series professionals and amateurs share a cockpit, only professional racers compete in the GT1 World Championship. WRT is planning to select and announce its drivers before the end of December. The details on the format of the competition will be approved by the FIA shortly. It is expected that there will be ten worldwide events, each featuring two one-hour races. A provisional race calendar has already been established.

2012 FIA GT1 World Championship
Round 1: Apr 08 Nogaro (France)
Round 2: Apr 22 Zolder (Belgium)
Round 3: May 27 Navarra (Spain)
Round 4: Jul 08 Algarve (Portugal)
Round 5: Aug 26 Peking (China)
Round 6: Sep 02 Ordos (China)
Round 7: Sep 16 Moscow (Russia)
Round 8: Oct 07 Zandvoort (Netherlands)
Round 9: Nov 25 San Luis (Argentina)
Round 10: TBA

Wonder if some of these will make their way Down Under to Australia ?

High performance, high specification all-wheel-drive A1 premium subcompact will be limited to just 333 examples worldwide

• Exclusive left-hand-drive-only all-wheel-drive A1 model limited to 333 examples worldwide
• Powered by 2.0-litre TFSI engine delivering 256PS at 6,000rpm and 350Nm of torque between 2,500 and 4,500rpm, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, top speed 152mph, combined mpg 33.2
•  Unique and extensive exterior and interior specification
• Due in mainland Europe in the second half of 2012 – customer interest will help to determine whether Audi UK begins imports

Full Press Release and more images after the jump

Sparks are about to fly in the subcompact class as a new limited edition Audi A1 stakes a claim to be the most powerful and fastest accelerating car of its kind ever created. The new ultra-exclusive A1 is not only the first to enter production with quattro all-wheel-drive but is also the first to adopt a larger capacity petrol engine ramping power up to 256PS. Limited to just 333 examples worldwide, it will combine its unprecedented performance and agility with a suitably rarefied equipment list.

The A1 quattro will raise the tempo thanks to a turbocharged and directly injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which delivers its maximum 256PS output at 6,000rpm, and its punchy 350Nm torque peak between 2,500 and 4,500rpm. It enables the A1 quattro to power from rest to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 152mph.

This advanced unit is notable for its adjustable intake cam shaft and its two balancer shafts which ensure smooth operation, but also for its high pressure common rail injection system, intercooled turbocharger and regulated oil pump which help it to operate surprisingly economically and deliver up to 33.2mpg (combined cycle).

Power is channelled via a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the heart of which is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If traction decreases there, the clutch can transfer torque steplessly to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds by forcing the packages of plates together by a defined amount. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the oil pressure. If a wheel on one of the axles starts to skid, it is braked by the electronic differential lock (EDL). The electronic stability program (ESP) also includes a sport mode which sets a higher threshold for intervention, and can be switched off entirely for track use.

The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro has been adapted to suit the dynamics of the drivetrain, and the multi-plate clutch has also been positioned on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution. The front suspension is a MacPherson strut construction, while a four-link set-up is used at the rear. Responsive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering with a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio complements this taut and well balanced configuration.

Unique specification

Finished exclusively in Glacier White metallic, complemented by 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels also in Glacier White and a high-gloss black roof, the A1 quattro will stand out from the outset. It will also distinguish itself visually through an exclusive design for the front and rear bumpers, the grille and its frame, red painted ‘wings’ within the headlights, a large two-colour rear spoiler and two sizeable, 100-millimetre diameter polished exhaust tailpipes.

Finishing touches such as tinted LED rear lights, tinted rear windows and a contrasting black colouring for the rear hatch and rear diffuser will also mark out the top-ranking A1, as will quattro badges on the grille, roof arch and rear hatch which bear testament to this car’s unique position as the first ever all-wheel-drive production A1.

At 3,987 millimetres in length, the A1 quattro is 33 millimetres longer than the ‘standard’ car on which it is based. It matches its counterparts for width and height, standing at 1,740 millimetres and 1,416 millimetres respectively. Luggage capacity is 210 litres with seats up rising to 860 litres with seats folded.

Purposeful black dominates the interior of the Audi A1 quattro, from the high gloss finish for the lower section of the centre console to the seats and door armrests finished in black Silk Nappa leather with contrasting red stitching. The multi-adjustable front S sport seats have pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints and quattro insignias on their backrests. The footrest and the pedal caps are made of brushed stainless steel. Red stitching frames the floor mats, and the door sill trims bear A1 quattro badges.

The instrument cluster incorporates a number of eye-catching features, including white needles, a red-faced speedometer, a quattro logo and a colour Driver’s Information System (DIS). The multifunction sports steering wheel is flat-bottomed, trimmed in leather with contrasting red stitching and sports the car’s serial number. The shift lever knob is made of aluminium, and many control elements have an aluminium-look finish.

Lavish equipment list

As befits its standing at the pinnacle of the A1 range the A1 quattro will be suitably lavishly equipped with many features taken directly from the luxury class. Xenon plus headlights, the high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, an LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensors, the acoustic rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, a storage package, the convenience key and cruise control will all feature.

Infotainment kit will also be exceptional, particularly for a car in the subcompact class. It will include a CD changer, DAB digital radio, Audi Music Interface, hard disk-based MMI navigation plus, a 465-watt 14-speaker Bose sound system with illuminated woofers in the doors and Mobile Phone Preparation High with Online Services. This feature enables a Bluetooth-equipped online car phone to connect to the Internet and deliver special web services, including Google Earth, to the car. Passengers can also connect their mobile devices to the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.

The left-hand-drive only Audi A1 quattro will be available in mainland Europe in the second half of 2012. A final decision on whether or not Audi UK will import the car will be based in part on customer reaction.