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Autoblog Canada Autoblog Canada 2014 Mini Cooper gets mellow in yellow Filed under: BMW, Hatchback, Mini, Spy Photos, Design/Style, Performance Given the spate of new models Mini has introduced in the past few years, from the Clubman to the Countryman to the Coupe to the Roadster, it sometimes seems like BMW has forgotten about the original model, the plain old Mini Cooper hardtop. It was last redesigned for the 2007 model year, which seems like a long time ago because, well, it is. Which is why Mini will shortly introduce an all-new hardtop Cooper, which our camera spies have captured testing in Europe. We're told that the new model is codenamed F56, but more importantly, its underpinnings are said to be shared with the next-generation BMW 1 Series. While Mini will continue to put four-cylinder engines underhood, there's presumably a three-cylinder in the works as well, though we're not sure whether that model will make it to our North American shores. While we've seen some spy shots of the 2014 Mini Cooper before, these seem to confirm that the car will grow a bit in size, both length and width. We are told that the longer hood and greater front overhang may be the result of fake front body panels, but the new front and rear glass appears to accurately represent the forthcoming production car, which will have a more raked angle to its windshield and rear window. BMW is expected to start production of the 2014 Mini Cooper early next year. News Source: CarPix 2014 Mini Cooper gets mellow in yellow originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Supercharged Jaguar F-Type R spotted testing? Filed under: Luxury, Convertible, Jaguar, UK, Spy Photos, Performance Our spy photographers appear to have grabbed the first glimpse at Jaguar's upcoming F-Type R. Judging by the not-so-subtle "F" camouflage and quad exhaust outlets, odds are this is the more high-strung version of the next convertible from Jaguar. What exactly is under the hood? That remains to be seen, though early reports suggest its something other than the tried-and-true blown 5.0-litre V8 we've come to know and love. The base F-Type will get along with a turbocharged V6, and the brawnier R model will likely bow with something packing eight cylinders and power figures in the neighborhood of 500 horsepower. So, when can we get our hands on this creation? A final launch date is murky at best, though there is some indication Jaguar could hold onto the V8 F-Type until later in the model's lifecycle, but doesn't quite dovetail with the fact that Jaguar is already road-testing the machine. Chances are we'll see the F-Type R earlier than expected. Click here to watch it roar in this test track video. News Source: KGP Photography Gallery: Jaguar F-Type Teaser Continue reading Supercharged Jaguar F-Type R spotted testing? Supercharged Jaguar F-Type R spotted testing? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Mini Paceman Countryman Coupe spotted testing Filed under: Coupe, Crossover, Mini, Spy Photos, Rumormill, Design/Style Mini will launch its seventh model - a two-door version of the Countryman crossover - at the Paris Motor Show later this year, and the spy photographers at Auto Motor Und Sport recently spotted this prototype out testing. Many sources have stated that the car will be dubbed Countryman Coupe when it hits the market, but we've also heard rumours that the vehicle will wear the Paceman name that was given to the original concept that debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Whatever it ends up being called, the two-door Countryman formula is pretty simple. The rear doors have been removed, allowing for a more swept-back roofline that integrates into an updated rear fascia. The rear end design is immediately reminiscent of the Land Rover Evoque, the Countryman's main competitor. Mum's the word on powertrain choices, though we'd expect the four-door Countryman's range of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines to carry over largely unchanged, mated to both front- and all-wheel drive. Click here for a video preview and stay tuned for the car's official unveiling in Paris later this year. Gallery: Mini Paceman Concept: Detroit 2011 News Source: Auto Motor Und Sport Continue reading Mini Paceman Countryman Coupe spotted testing Mini Paceman Countryman Coupe spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift spotted Filed under: Luxury, Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos, Wagon There can be no argument that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a handsome sedan, but some changes are underway to make the 2013 model more striking. Our spy shooters caught this wagon, which despite having its front end heavily cloaked, gives up at least a few details. New headlights are hiding beneath all that masking, which will integrate the current model's separate daytime running lamps. Out back, the taillights will retain the same shape, but get a slightly different look. Also absent from these photos will be a new design to the rear fenders, as we're told that Mercedes will be changing the rear doors to remove the "Ponton-style" bulge. The interior will be updated, as well, with some improved safety equipment being added to the E-Class order sheet. Check out all of the high-res images in our gallery. Image Credit: CarPix Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift spotted originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW 4 Series Cabrio caught with its top down Filed under: BMW, Luxury, Convertible, Spy Photos, Design/Style, Performance BMW did quite a bit to differentiate the new 3 Series from the old one, but arguably the biggest development in that department is the splitting of the model line. Because the new 3 Series is only the sedan and wagon. The coupe and cabrio are branching off as the 4 Series, similar to the 6 Series (as distinct from the 5 Series), the old 8 Series (separate from the 7 Series) and what's expected to emerge of the 2 Series from the new 1 Series. Following earlier spy shots of the 4 Series convertible with its roof up in the rain and in the snow, this is our first look at the upcoming new model being driven the way it's meant to be driven: with its top down and the sun shining. Unfortunately our view is a little obscured by all the swirly camouflage, so we'll have to wait until its anticipated debut sometime next year to see the whole package. But you can check out the spy shots now for a sneak preview. Image Credit: CarPix BMW 4 Series Cabrio caught with its top down originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 10 May 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Volvo's new XC40 spotted testing Filed under: Luxury, Crossover, Volvo, Spy Photos, Design/Style A keen-eyed reader managed to snag a few photos of what looks to be the upcoming Volvo XC40 ahead of the vehicle's debut at the Paris Motor Show. Like most manufacturers, Volvo is keen to offer buyers the small crossovers they demand. With a taller ride height, more ground clearance and a more aggressive front fascia than the V40, the XC40 should do just that. Drivetrain details are still a bit murky at the moment, but we wouldn't be surprised to see everything from a new diesel to turbocharged gasoline five-cylinder under the hood. The latter of those two should be good for around 254 horsepower. If the V40 is any indication, the crossover will also boast start-stop technology and brake-energy regeneration in either manual or automatic transmission configurations. Expect to see both front and all-wheel drive variants as well. The machine above was spotted in Flagstaff, Arizona while out for a little hot-weather testing, though we're told the Volvo XC40 isn't destined for the North American market. That seems a bit odd to us. The small crossover seems to be a perfect fit for Canadians who can't seem to get enough of stylish crossovers these days. Tip: Thanks for the tip, Adam! Gallery: 2013 VOLVO V40 LEAK PHOTOS Continue reading Volvo's new XC40 spotted testing Volvo's new XC40 spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake reveals more of its rakish rump Filed under: Luxury, Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos, Design/Style, Wagon Last time we saw the non-AMG skin of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake it was bathed in red paint and caked in Arctic snow and grime. Warmer times have brought new shots of a black car - which we'll christen The Scarab - on standard wheels wearing nothing but a shine and a wisp of camo. Its shape has found a way to divide opinion, as the CLS-Class has always done, and we'll admit that yes, perchance there's something faintly Romulan about it, but we're totally sold on the looks. Right now, there's nothing left to the imagination but the aft-most sliver of window - that final angle of chrome is an application. We expect all blanks to be filled in come the Paris Motor Show in September, which should see the reveal of the CLS550 and CLS63 AMG versions of the sleekest wagon this side of Rigel 5. Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break Concept Image Credit: CarPix Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake reveals more of its rakish rump originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 09 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments New Porsche Macan CUV takes shape Filed under: Luxury, Crossover, Porsche, Spy Photos, Design/Style, Performance Our spy photographers have given us our first clear glimpse at the upcoming Porsche Macan. While the test machine we see here wears some Cayenne camouflage, there's little hiding the small CUV's roof line. Based on the Audi Q5, the Macan will boast plenty of suspension tweaks by the minds at Porsche to put the crossover more in line with the sports car maker's stable. Likewise, while the Macan will borrow a host of gasoline and diesel powerplants from the Volkswagen parts bin, each one will be tuned for more horsepower than we've seen so far. There's also some indication that Porsche may lift the hybrid system from the Q5 into the Macan's bones, as well. That means buyers would see a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder coupled to a 44-horsepower electric motor. Porsche may also look to offer a more athletic three-door version of the Macan later down the line to more effectively compete with the likes of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Image Credit: CarPix New Porsche Macan CUV takes shape originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Rendered Speculation: SRT Viper Roadster Filed under: Convertible, Dodge, USA, Spy Photos, Rumormill, Performance When our man Scott Burgess asked SRT CEO Ralph Gilles about the Dodge SRT Viper Roadster, Gilles naturally demurred. The Internet, however, always provides an answer to every question, and German magazine Auto Bild has rendered its take on the droptop snake. Unlike previously, when the coupe and roadster were rather dissimilar, this time the brotherhood will be more traditional... at least according to this artist's take. We won't speculate on how close the rendering might be, but we will say we like it. With the coupe having already enjoyed its 600-horsepower burst onto the scene, it shouldn't be long before the roadster begins leaking its way out. News Source: Auto Bild Rendered Speculation: SRT Viper Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 09 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 2013 Shelby GT500 caught testing at the Nürburgring Filed under: Coupe, Ford, Videos, Spy Photos, Performance The folks at Motor Authority snagged some spy video of the new 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 hitting the Nürburgring. Unfortunately, rain hit the 'Ring first, so while there are still some potent exhaust noises emanating from the 631-horsepower 'Stang, there isn't a lot of tearing it up on the slick surface. Let's talk nemesis, namely the 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1. The battleground established, the Chevrolet folks turned their verbal turrets on the Shelby and fired high-impact rounds - see Exhibits A and B - on their way to setting an 11.93-second drag time and a "Holy smokes!" 7:41 lap at the 'Ring. Since there's no reason to dawdle round the 'Ring, we have to expect that Ford's fly-by has some sort of recon purpose. As many will bring up once the time is set, the Shelby has a mess of advantages on paper: more horsepower, more torque, less weight. No matter, for as Cormac McCarthy wrote, there will be blood. We still don't know whose blood it will be, but oh yes, one of these cars is going to bleed. Embedding of this video has been disabled, so follow the YouTube link to watch the Shelby in action. News Source: Motor Authority, YouTube 2013 Shelby GT500 caught testing at the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW M6 Gran Coupe caught running the 'Ring Filed under: BMW, Videos, Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Track Tested Ah yes, the Nürburgring. Where else would you expect to find the forthcoming BMW M6 Gran Coupe? Well, other than on the BMW stand the Paris Motor Show in September or Cobo Hall next January. While we've already seen spy photos of the big 560-plus-horsepower sedan, 6post.com has snagged footage of the M6 Gran Coupe squealing tires and clipping apexes with some of its siblings on everyone's favorite German road. Scroll down to watch the full video. Gallery: 2013 BMW M6 Coupe: Geneva 2012 Continue reading BMW M6 Gran Coupe caught running the 'Ring BMW M6 Gran Coupe caught running the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 07 May 2012 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Lamborghini Aventador Roadster to use removable carbon fibre roof? Filed under: Convertible, Lamborghini, Spy Photos, Rumormill, Performance, Paris Motor Show Forget cloth, the upcoming Lamborghini Aventador Roadster will use a removable two-piece carbon fiber hardtop, according to the Italian magazine Quattroruote. The weight-cutting measure means the convertible won't have to stack on the pounds just to include al fresco driving. The carbon fiber roof will weigh less than a cloth top and its underlying metal frame. It also means that the entire rear section of the car won't change from the hardtop model, Quattroroute reports. We first saw the hardtop in spy photos published in February, though we weren't sure of Lamborghini's plans for the 700-horsepower V12 racer at the time. Lamborghini is expected to debut the roadster at the Paris Motor Show this fall. News Source: Quattroruote Image Credit: CarPix Gallery: Lamborghini Aventador Fire Lamborghini Aventador Roadster to use removable carbon fibre roof? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 07 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Audi R8 E-Tron test mule does quick but quiet hot laps on Nürburgring Filed under: Audi, Spy Photos, Performance Imagine you're a spy shooter at the Nürburgring. You've got your ancient Ford Scorpio parked nearby, but you've hoofed it up to the top of a hill in the hopes of getting the perfect angle on the track. Three heavy cameras are strung about your body like you're a contestant in The World's Strongest Man competition. It's early and you are tired. And cold. The morning temperature was in the single digits Celsius while you dream of sandy beaches. Your job is boring. Boy racers driving all manner of would-be performance cars squeal by, inexpertly holding a line that betrays their inexperience. "Go back to your video games, kids," you think as you nurse your cramped and sore legs. You shift your position and the wait resumes. Sport bikes zip by and the wail hurts your ears. You get up and stretch before resuming your regimen. A momentary break in the traffic causes you to do a mental rehearsal, double-checking your gear. Then you hear it: The tires, disembodied from the roar of an engine, but creating their own telltale sound. You reach for the camera with the longest lens and barely get it up to your eye as the electric sports car whooshes towards you, followed by the loud rumble of something more internally combusted. The camera is now firing on all cylinders as you expertly track the car's pace for the few seconds it's in your field of vision. A Porsche enters the viewfinder and you exhale, lowering the camera and turning your back to the track. The Audi R8 E-Tron will take just one lap of the Nürburgring that day, but you were there to capture it. It may not surface again before it goes on sale next year, but you don't care about that. You need to hustle back to the car to download the images, so the world can see what an R8 without exhaust pipes looks like, so the fanboys can obsess about the extra cooling vents in the hood for the batteries and the blacked-out rear window. You will e-mail the photos across the Continent, across the ocean, back home. You'll get a few bucks deposited in your German bank for your trouble, but that won't happen for a while yet. By then you will have taken more photos and sent more e-mails. And drank countless lagers. It is still early, but you think of the cliche about it being noon somewhere and head off home. Nobody will be in your favourite expat bar at this time, but you think there must be at least one bottle left in your refrigerator. Image Credit: CarPix Audi R8 E-Tron test mule does quick but quiet hot laps on Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Nissan GT-R 24h Nürburgring race car caught testing Filed under: Coupe, Nissan, Spy Photos, Motor sports, Performance Nissan announced earlier in the month that it would be fielding a factory team in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, piloting a 2012 GT-R. The car is reportedly a Club Track Edition, a race-ready derivative sold in Japan, and our spy shooters have spotted it out in the wild. The car is only lightly camouflaged, with coverings over parts of the the front fascia, hood, and rear windows. We will admit that your guess is as good as ours as to what might lie beneath the wrapping, but given that Nissan has said the only changes from production car to race car are some added downforce in the front and a new rear wing, we'll just go with "nothing" as our answer. News Source: CarPix Nissan GT-R 24h Nürburgring race car caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments McLaren spotted testing successor to the legendary F1 Filed under: UK, Spy Photos, Performance Rumours and conjecture will only get you so far, particularly when we're talking about the stratosphere of supercardom where speculation can disappear back into the ether from whence it came as quickly as it emerged in the first place. What we need to really anticipate the arrival of a new record-breaking hypercar is concrete evidence. And concrete evidence, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, is what we have here before us today. The car we're talking about is the long-awaited successor to the legendary McLaren F1. Considering how thoroughly that bolide smashed all preconceived notions of what a car could do when the original hit the streets in 1992, its successor is something worth anticipating indeed. It's expected to have nearly 700 horsepower on tap, challenge the Bugatti Veyron for straight-line pace and emerge as a de-facto challenger to the Enzo replacement Ferrari is working on. The styling is expected to take greater advantage of the skills of one Frank Stephenson, father of the modern Mini Cooper, BMW X5, Fiat 500 and countless Ferrari and Maserati models. His arrival at McLaren Automotive is said to have been a little late for him to truly leave his mark on the MP4-12C - its big brother expected to be his first clean-sheet design since moving in at Woking. From the spy shots, we can see some distinctive common stylistic elements to the existing MP4-12C, tempered with some references to the original McLaren F1 - particularly in the shape of the greenhouse that packs a windshield that looks like it was lifted from a glass-bottom boat. A rooftop hood vent also appears to be popping up through the camouflage, with a giant exhaust pipe protruding high up through the rear (like a Pagani), with what looks like the biggest underbody diffuser we've seen yet. The overall shape also looks longer than the MP4-12C, presumably to accommodate an engine packing 50 per cent more cylinders than its eight-pot kid brother. With the V12 F1 expected to arrive around the same time as the Ferrari F70, it looks like Maranello and Woking are gearing up for once heck of a high-stakes grudge match. Image Credit: KGP Photography McLaren spotted testing successor to the legendary F1 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 2013 SRT Viper looking fly in yellow? Filed under: Dodge, Spy Photos, Performance We've already seen the production-ready 2013 SRT Viper. In fact, we named it Best In Show after it officially debuted at the 2012 New York Auto Show earlier this month. But what we haven't seen is the full colour palette that will be offered, and our spy photographers recently caught a Viper prototype out testing sporting a fresh coat of yellow paint, as well as some new, more sedate wheels. As for that colour, we aren't sure how we feel about it just yet, granted, we'll want to see it in person and without all of the hastily bolted-together panel gaps of this prototype. Moreover, we'd like to see how the new SRT looks in a proper GTS white/blue paint job. Be sure to let us know what you think of the new yellow paint in the comments. The don't-call-it-a-Dodge Viper officially launches this year, boasting 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque from its monstrous 8.4-litre V10. We're eagerly awaiting our first stint behind the wheel, but for now, this new batch of high-res photos will have to suffice. Image Credit: KGP Photography 2013 SRT Viper looking fly in yellow? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW M135i caught in a 'Ring fling Filed under: BMW, Luxury, Hatchback, Spy Photos, Performance, Track Tested Remember the rumors of BMW working on a hot 1 Series hatch just below the 1 Series M? The evidence trail was so faint that we called it "the most speculative sort of specualtion" when we posted on it six months ago. The trail and the car just got a lot hotter now that the very same three-door hatch in question, the M135i, has been spotted burning serious gas around the Nürburgring. Juice will come from BMW's N55 inline-six cylinder with somewhere around 320 horsepower, and we're told there will in fact be an all-wheel-drive version to follow. This will put BMW at ground zero of the small luxury hot hatch battle alongside the 350-horsepower Mercedes-Benz A25 AMG and 340-horsepower Audi RS3. That gives us one more thing to remember: even if the Benz comes in at 340 hp there'll be 1,000 horsepower between just these three cars in a segment best known for frugal luxury, which means the good old days in this segment are still on the way. Hit the jump for more spy shots of this hot hatch in action. News Source: CarPix Gallery: BMW M135i Concept: Geneva 2012 Continue reading BMW M135i caught in a 'Ring fling BMW M135i caught in a 'Ring fling originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Fiat 500L seven-seater spotted Filed under: Budget, Fiat, Spy Photos, Rumormill, Design/Style We like the small Fiat 500 a lot, but we're not so fond of the upsized version Fiat is planning. When the five-door 500L debuted at Geneva, calling it homely was being generous, indeed. We can't deny the logic in offering a more family friendly 500, however. But a size-large seven-seater? This quite literally stretches the limits of the 500's ethos. Yet Auto Express has captured spy shots of a full-size design study for exactly that: A 500L with a third row. The magazine is reporting that the mockup it spotted in the automaker's Turin, Italy, design studio rides on the same wheelbase as the five-door model, but with its rear overhang extended by nearly eight inches to accommodate what must surely be the smallest third row of seats to ever grace the interior of a vehicle not made of Lego. The report goes on to say that the seven-passenger model would use the same body panels and doors as the five-door 500L, basically everything from the C-pillar forward. Check out Auto Express for more images and info. Hit the jump for the preview video below. Gallery: Fiat 500L: Geneva Motor Show News Source: Auto Express Continue reading Fiat 500L seven-seater spotted Fiat 500L seven-seater spotted originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Mini preparing JCW GP version of Cooper Coupe too? Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Mini, USA, Spy Photos, Performance Want a hot little hatchback? You could do a lot worse than a Mini. But as with many cars, your budget will determine how much speed you get: Cooper, Cooper S, JCW or - with the first-gen model, anyway - the top-of-the-line John Cooper Works GP. Introduced just before Mini launched the second-generation model line, the GP edition packed more power, less weight and a sportier suspension. After receiving reports a few months ago that Mini was planning a similar version of the current model, we brought you spy shots a few weeks ago of a prototype hatchback wearing some tell-tale signs of GP-ification. But what is this? A GP coupe? That's what it would seem, with the less versatile and more backwards-hat-wearing Mini Coupe wearing a minimally camouflaged lower fascias front and rear, plus four-spoke wheels like the first GP edition. The question is whether Mini is planning GP versions of both the hatchback and coupe, or if one of these prototypes is merely a diversion of some sort. We'll have to wait to find out, but you can take a closer look at the spy shots and start to wonder as well. Image Credit: CarPix Mini preparing JCW GP version of Cooper Coupe too? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Ferrari Enzo successor had better look better than this test mule Filed under: Ferrari, Spy Photos, Performance The arrival of any new Ferrari is bound to be anticipated eagerly by legions of fans around the world, but few more keenly than the successor to the famed Enzo. Following in a line that dates back to the 288 GTO, through the F40, the F50 and most recently the Enzo, the new top-of-the-line hypercar from Maranello is now well on the road to readiness. We're told to expect its arrival in less than a year from now at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, but while endless speculation has filled the void until now, we've now got our first batch of spy shots showing - to some extent, anyway - what Ferrari is working on. While the widened 458 test mule in these spy shots is wearing a hideously humorous hodge-podge of sheetmetal and body cladding evidently thrown together in a back room in Maranello (with the lights off), we're told this is not an actual prototype for the Enzo successor - sure to wear a different name, but referred to internally as project F70 - but rather a rolling test bed for components that will make up the finished product. That is expected to include an uprated (and backwards-turned) version of Ferrari's new 6.2-litre V12 from the F12 Berlinetta, producing more power and augmented by a hybrid electric assist. Despite the added hybrid bigs, the F70 is still said to be light in weight, and it will be sent gunning for the Bugatti Veyron with a targeted 0-60mph (96 km/h) run in under 2.5 seconds and a top speed in excess of 400 km/h. Image Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company Ferrari Enzo successor had better look better than this test mule originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

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Autoblog Canada Autoblog Canada BMW rolls out new M6 safety car for MotoGP Filed under: BMW, Coupe, Motor sports, Racing, Performance It takes a fast and agile car to keep pace with MotoGP racing bikes. Fortunately the BMW M division is up to the task, providing safety cars (or what we'd call pace cars on this side of the Atlantic) to the race organizers of the top-level motorcycle racing series. The most recent vehicles to perform the duties have been the 1 Series M Coupe and the X6 M crossover, but now BMW is introducing a the new M6 coupe to the mix. It'll debut in safety car guise as pictured above at the Nürburgring this weekend. While it's unclear whether any modifications have been made to the 552-horsepower twin-turbo V8, the M6 MotoGP safety car has been upgraded with new spoilers front and rear, special lighting equipment and BMW's traditional blue, blue and red striping on a white body. And if we were betting men, we'd put our money on some upgrades to the brakes, suspension and tires, too. See more of the M6 after the jump Continue reading BMW rolls out new M6 safety car for MotoGP BMW rolls out new M6 safety car for MotoGP originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 19 May 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Car History - May 18: Lotus makes Formula 1 Debut Filed under: Classics, Lotus, Motor sports, Racing Over half a century ago on this day in 1958, one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history made their first appearance in the sport. Monaco, France was the setting where Team Lotus, the motorsport division of the then six-year-old brainchild of Colin Chapman (Lotus), made their debut into single-seat racing after dominating in Le Mans in 1957. Team Lotus' drivers, Cliff Allison and Graham Hill, drove the well engineered, but ultimately unsuccessful 2.2 litre Lotus Type 12 which also saw action in Formula 2. The car was designed with the qualities Lotus are known for - low weight and high power. Despite it all however, the Type 12 was always overshadowed by the mid-engined Cooper race cars of the time. That year was a victory for one Maurice Trintignant who took first place driving a Cooper. Allison finished in sixth place, 13 laps behind, while Hill ended up in 26th. Chapman was not dissuaded. He used what he learned in defeat and ended up with the Lotus Type 18 which Stirling Cooper would drive to victory two years later. Check after the jump for more. Continue reading Car History - May 18: Lotus makes Formula 1 Debut Car History - May 18: Lotus makes Formula 1 Debut originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Pfaff celebrates return to Porsche GT3 Cup racing with Castrol Filed under: Coupe, Canada, Porsche, Motor sports, Marketing/Advertising, Racing, Performance The talented team at Pfaff Automotive Partners are known as one of Canada's leading Porsche dealers for a reason. Pfaff has built a strong reputation, fueled by its loyal staff, customers and some of the hottest luxury sports cars and exotics around. With a rich 45-year heritage as an automotive retailer, Pfaff continues to display their true passion for Porsche by announcing their return to the 2012 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge with Castrol Canada (and this track-ready Porsche pictured above). In celebration of their return to racing, Pfaff hosted a special gala event featuring a lengthy list of VIP party guests and media invites at the uber swanky Thompson Hotel in downtown Toronto. Pfaff is no stranger to the track either, having raced in various series over the years including the Porsche Turbo Cup Series, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car in the Speed World Challenge Series and most recently the Canadian Touring Car Series. In its second year, the Porsche Cup series is North America's fastest growing single-make racing series, expanding from six to nine races and adding two new venues including the Formula 1 race weekend in Montreal. "My father built the company on a passion for motorsports and it gives me great pride to continue this racing legacy today," said Christopher Pfaff, president and CEO, Pfaff Automotive Partners. "We are very excited about the upcoming race season and have great expectations for the team we have put together with Fiorano Racing and up-and-coming driver, Kyle Marcelli behind the wheel". Marking their return to the Canadian racing circuit, Pfaff has enlisted the top players in the industry to build a winning team. With racing veteran Fiorano Racing building the GT3 race car and Kyle Marcelli as lead guest driver and veteran race driver Jeff Pabst, the Pfaff Castrol Motorsports team is poised to be a leading contender in the upcoming race season. Click here to watch some Porsche GT3 video alongside the official press release. Continue reading Pfaff celebrates return to Porsche GT3 Cup racing with Castrol Pfaff celebrates return to Porsche GT3 Cup racing with Castrol originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments MotoGP champ Casey Stoner stuns with retirement announcement [w/video] Filed under: Videos, Motor sports, Motorcycle, Racing Reigning MotoGP champion Casey Stoner is just 26 years old, but has been riding in the FIM series since 2001 when he joined the 125cc ranks. Five years later, the Australian was in the headlining formula series with Honda, the year after that, in 2007, he won the title astride a Ducati. Last year, Stoner won it again with Honda, and even battling an issue with his arm this year, he's atop the standings and leading his rivals in practice sessions for this weekend's French GP at Le Mans. But Stoner used yesterday's GP press conference to announce his retirement at the end of this year. The Australian says the sport had gone in a direction that doesn't interest him and that he simply isn't enjoying it enough to continue the sacrifices necessary to be competitive at the top level. Speculation is that he wants to spend time with his wife and daughter, and perhaps that he plans to drive in the Australian V8 Supercar series. Fellow Aussie and MotoGP legend Mick Doohan said he doesn't believe just yet that Stoner will actually ride off into farm life. Even so, the fact that the current World Champion is unhappy enough to publicly announce the end of his career is a shock to the MotoGP world. Have a look below for a video news report on Stoner's announcement. Continue reading MotoGP champ Casey Stoner stuns with retirement announcement [w/video] MotoGP champ Casey Stoner stuns with retirement announcement [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak Filed under: Electric, Mitsubishi, Motor sports, Racing No, that's not a Mitsubishi i-MiEV in a fat suit, it's the automaker's brand-new all-electric race car, and it's set to take on the 2012 Pike's Peak International Hill Climb in July. This isn't the first time we've seen an EV enter the Pike's Peak challenge - Nissan commissioned a Leaf for battle last year, a car that set the bar for all future electric racers. Mitsubishi says that its race car, dubbed i-MiEV Evolution, uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the standard, bean-shaped electric car that we haven't quite grown to love. Aside from the additional bodywork, the chassis has clearly been lengthened and widened, and the race car now uses an all-wheel-drive configuration rather than the rear-wheel drive of the standard i-MiEV. To give you an idea of just how big the racer is, a quick glance of Mitsubishi's specs show that the i-MiEV Evolution's dimensions are within a few centimetres of the stock Lancer Evolution. We wouldn't be surprised if the all-wheel-drive system was sourced from the Lancer, as well. Mitsubishi will also be bringing two more of its EVs to the Pike's Peak event, including an i that has been updated with a more aerodynamic front bumper and new safety equipment, as well as a bone stock model. Hit the jump for the official press release. Continue reading Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Bentley plotting Dakar effort with used VW Touareg racers? Filed under: Bentley, Off-Road, Motor sports, SUV Bentley is an automaker not without its own racing pedigree, but the bulk of that is anchored in the 1920s and at Le Mans, to which it returned in winning form in the earlier part of the new millennium with the Speed 8. The latest development could, however, see the Flying B marque enter into another class of motorsport competition altogether. That opposite end of the endurance racing spectrum is the torturous Dakar rally. We first published rumours of Crewe's consideration of the possibility back in November, but according to CAR Magazine, those rumours are apparently kicking into high gear. That much is owed largely to the emergence of the above-pictured EXP 9 F program, Bentley's concept SUV currently under development. Well, sorta. Bentley's parent company Volkswagen recently withdrew from the Dakar rally after winning it three times in a row - ostensibly to focus on its new World Rally Championship effort, but spurring rumors all the same of it transferring the team to another brand. Given that the EXP 9 F is based (or would be, anyway) on an architecture related to the Touareg - the race model of which is what the VW team used to dominate the event - the facilitation of Bentley's take-over of the program could prove even more straight-forward than the manner in which Audi successfully supported Bentley's Le Mans team. To wit, the boys from Crewe are said to be in the process of buying back all the Race Touareg rigs - complete with their 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesels producing 300 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque - that Volkswagen sold to privateer teams upon its departure, suggesting rather poor planning and perhaps only a passing resemblance to the eventual production EXP 9 F (which, incidentally, isn't expected to look like the concept above). News Source: CAR Magazine Image Credit: Bentley Gallery: Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 Bentley plotting Dakar effort with used VW Touareg racers? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 18 May 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Carroll Shelby to get the TV mini-series treatment thanks to Velocity Filed under: Celebrities, Classics, Motor sports, Racing, Performance Farmer, car dealer, Le Mans winner, sports-car maker, businessman and tuner Carroll Shelby passsed away on May 11. To honor his contribution to the numerous segments of the auto industry he impacted, cable network Velocity will be airing a three-hour, three-part miniseries on Sunday, May 20. Called "King of the Road: Carroll Shelby," each hour-long episode will chronicle an era in Shelby's life: his journey from a Texas farm to the top step at Le Mans and building the Cobra; his partnership with Ford and the Mustang GT350; and the road that car followed into becoming the Ford Shelby GT500. Have a read of the press release below, and tune into Velocity at 8 p.m. EST on Sunday for a lesson in the hardest-charging gentleman racer ever. Continue reading Carroll Shelby to get the TV mini-series treatment thanks to Velocity Carroll Shelby to get the TV mini-series treatment thanks to Velocity originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 18 May 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments NOS energy drink presents the mini-doc Keep Drifting Fun Filed under: Videos, Motor sports Drifting's been off the front pages for a while, the latest reports having more to do with turmoil than tire shredding. As with most things, though, just because it's not headlining doesn't mean it's disappeared. NOS energy drink sent one of our favourite filmic chroniclers, Will Roegge, across the country to survey the drifting world. The result is a mini-documentary called Keep Drifting Fun. And we do mean the word "documentary" - it's 30 minutes long. Although there's plenty of smoke and wall-kissing, its length gives us an opportunity to hear from drifters and organizers to find out what's behind the sport, as well as their own motivations, where drifters come from and why they drift. It looks at venues beyond the track, like tree-lined back roads and alleys in late-night Texas, and we dig that it starts off with the protagonists themselves admitting, "Drifting is so stupid," "It's pointless," and "When you boil it all down it's pretty silly." The movie, on the other hand, isn't. Scroll down to check it out. Continue reading NOS energy drink presents the mini-doc Keep Drifting Fun NOS energy drink presents the mini-doc Keep Drifting Fun originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 17 May 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 features clever variable-RPM launch control Filed under: Coupe, Ford, Technology, Motor sports, Performance When you've got the most powerful factory V8 in the world, even the best driver can struggle with getting that power to the pavement. The 662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is packing can easily turn its rear tires into expensive clouds of smoke. That's why the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is the first Shelby Mustang to be factory-equipped with launch control. "With so much more power and torque on tap from the new 5.8-litre V8," says SVT senior engineer John Pfeiffer, "launch control makes it easier for drivers to take advantage of the performance." What's different about the Shelby GT500s launch control is that drivers can engage it by just pressing a single button, and it's also capable of being fine-tuned for the best results. Launch control is by now a familiar technology, with systems operating by holding engine RPM at a set point to help facilitate clean, repeatable launches. "Launch control is essentially a special mode of the traction control system that integrates the brake and engine management systems to keep the tires balanced on the peak of the mu-slip curve," explains SVT's Pfeiffer. In plain English, it's designed to send as much torque to the tires as they can handle. What's different about the system in the 2013 GT500 is its flexibility. "Most of our competitors' launch control systems have a fixed engine launch speed," says SVT Engineering supervisor Eddie Khan, but since "not every driver has the same style, and surface, tire, and climate conditions vary," he points out, "we've given Shelby GT500 drivers the ability to adjust the engine speed to achieve the best and most consistent performance." Drivers can use TrackApps through the instrument cluster or tap a switch to the left of the instrument panel to enable the system. Through TrackApps, the engine launch rpm can be adjusted between 3,000 to 4,500 rpm with steps of 100 rpm. There are other tricks up the GT500s sleeve, too. Extinguish the traction control while using launch control and you'll get an rpm-only mode that keeps the brakes out of the picture to avoid sacrificing any possible speed. Launch control also works with the different stability control modes to allow some wheelspin when that's the fastest way out of the hole. "It's not as intrusive as some TC systems have been in the past," said SVTs Khan. "We'e given our drivers the ability to exert control over all the power and torque this Mustang can produce." Click here to learn more in the full press release from Ford. News Source: Ford Gallery: Spy Shots: 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 Convertible Photos Continue reading 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 features clever variable-RPM launch control 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 features clever variable-RPM launch control originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 17 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Lola files for bankruptcy Filed under: Motor sports, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, Racing Lola may not be a name recognized by the average consumer, but racing fans will know it well. The British concern has built and continues to build race cars that have spanned an enormous variety of series and disciplines since its founding in 1958, including (but not limited to) Formula One, Le Mans, CART and just about every formula feeder series you could think of, including Formula Two, Formula 3, Formula 3000, Formula 5000 and A1GP. Now, unfortunately, the company is filing for bankruptcy protection. The reasons are pretty simple: too many expenses and not enough revenue, although tax credits it was due from the British government are also said to be partially to blame. As a result, the outfit responsible for - among numerous other accolades - five LMP2 titles at Le Mans since 2000 alone is entering financial administration as it seeks new investors. Along with it, Lola Cars is taking Lola Composites, however the effect this might have on its concerns in defense and aerospace (among other areas) remains to be seen. As is the future of the SP/300.R track car which Lola builds for Caterham, or the countless racing teams that continue to count on Lola to build and support their sports prototypes. But with so many racing programs at stake, we can hardly imagine the company's considerable capabilities and expertise will go unclaimed for long. Scroll down for the official announcement. Continue reading Lola files for bankruptcy Lola files for bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Toyota GT 86, Lexus LFA racers ready for Nürburgring 24 Hours Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Lexus, Toyota, Motor sports, Racing, Performance Toyota and Lexus are gearing up for this year's Nüburgring 24 Hours. The two companies plan to take to the track with a total of five entries, including four Toyota GT 86 race cars and one Lexus LFA. Prepped by factory tuner Gazoo Racing, the LFA will compete in the SP8 class while two of the GT 86 models will go fender-to-fender in the SP3 class. Those will be joined by two more GT 86 racers built by Toyota Motorsport and competing under the Toyota Swiss Racing Team banner in the V3 class for production vehicles. Gazoo Racing has already had a little fun at the Nüburgring this year. While competing at two shorter events at the legendary track, the LFA took home two wins. This year's 24-hour endurance race kicks off this weekend, May 17-20. The even will be streamed online here and here. Scroll down for the quick press release. News Source: Toyota Continue reading Toyota GT 86, Lexus LFA racers ready for Nürburgring 24 Hours Toyota GT 86, Lexus LFA racers ready for Nürburgring 24 Hours originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Watch Genki Hagata pull off the world's greatest save Filed under: Videos, Motor sports, Motorcycle, Racing We officially have a new motorcycle hero. Genki Hagata rolled his Yamaha YZF-R6 out onto the track during the second AMA Pro Supersport qualifying session at Sears Point recently. Partway through his out-lap, the bike lost traction in the rear before abruptly regaining it. We likely don't need to tell you that scenario almost always results in a one-way ticket off of the saddle in a not-so-glorious highside. But not for Hagata. The racer exhibited nothing less than super-human strength by clamping onto the handlebars and holding on for dear life. Miraculously, it worked. After the bike settled down, Hagata managed to cling to the machine as it rode upright until he was able to fling himself back into the saddle. The guy's efforts kept the Yamaha off of the asphalt, but cost him a spot on the grid. Hagata missed the cut-off by a few tenths of a second. Still, we haven't seen heroics like this in a long spell. Scroll down to check out this amazing video footage for yourself. Continue reading Watch Genki Hagata pull off the world's greatest save Watch Genki Hagata pull off the world's greatest save originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Guy Fieri to drive Corvette ZR1 pace car in Indy 500 Filed under: Coupe, Celebrities, Chevrolet, Motor sports, Marketing/Advertising, Racing, Performance Diners, Drive-ins and Dives TV persona Guy Fieri is making more news with garages these days than kitchens. The Food Network host, who recently had his Lamborghini Gallardo stolen and then recovered in a teen's storage container, has been selected to drive the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 pace car at the Indy 500 this year. Guy's an admitted gear head, and should feel at home in the Corvette ZR1; he owns seven Chevrolet models that span the decades from 1968 to 2011, and a Cadillac Escalade ESV. He'll be pacing the field in the 638-horsepower special edition Arctic White coupe on Sunday, May 27 at noon EST. Gallery: 2012 CORVETTE ZR1 REVIEW News Source: IndyCar.com Image Credit: Michael Tran / Getty for GQ Guy Fieri to drive Corvette ZR1 pace car in Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Yellow-Flagged: Formula One's French Grand Prix and IPO potentially on hold Filed under: Motor sports, Racing It is exceptionally rare for Bernie Ecclestone to be shown the yellow flag when it comes to his Formula One business dealings, but that's what happened with two of his projects. A month ago, Ecclestone agreed to terms with France's sports minister David Douillet to reinstate the French Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard circuit (which Ecclestone happens to own). The contract hadn't been signed while minor details were settled, but the plan was that the French GP would alternate with the Belgian GP starting in 2013. However, with the defeat of French president Nicolas Sarkozy and the election of François Hollande, new reports suggest that everything from the previous regime will come under review. And it seems unlikely that Hollande, who was voted in by taxpayers who wanted more for their money and their economic pain, will agree to have the state subsidize the race. Said the president-elect, "I do not think the French state should be responsible for any financial outlay. There are enough issues to consider without spending tens of millions of euros on a grand prix." And across the world in Singapore, the GP is safe but the planned F1 Initial Public Offering in the nation-state now has a question mark after it. The squalls in the market that have depressed stock markets everywhere have IPO insiders cautious on the endeavor. Word is that they'll see how the imminent Facebook IPO fares and how the market responds before making a decision. There is also the matter of the Mercedes-Benz not having signed the Concorde Agreement, and Daimler says it needs to get that settled before F1 can go public. According to Reuters, if the offering isn't conducted by June then it - and the estimated USD$2 billion it is expected to raise - might have to wait until next year. News Source: ESPN F1, Reuters Image Credit: Paul Gilham / Getty Yellow-Flagged: Formula One's French Grand Prix and IPO potentially on hold originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 16 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Maserati upgrades GranTurismo racer for 2012 Trofeo MC World Series Filed under: Coupe, Maserati, Motor sports, Racing, Performance Spec racing series are emerging as an indispensable way for exotic automakers to show what their vehicles can do without the constraints of road regulations, and for their top customers to race wheel-to-wheel on some of the most famous racing circuits in the world behind the wheel of top machinery. Ferrari has the Challenge series, Lamborghini the Blancpain Super Trofeo, Porsche operates several iterations of the Carrera Cup around the world, and Maserati has the Trofeo World Series. Now entering its third year, the Trofeo is campaigned by a field of specially prepared versions of the GranTurismo coupe, which has been upgraded with several improvements for the season ahead. Maserati Corse has both optimized the aerodynamic setup and trimmed the car's weight, resulting in an average lap time that proved two and a half seconds faster around the Vallelunga circuit outside Rome over last year's car during winter testing. Whereas previous series have been held almost exclusively in Europe or in the Middle East, this year's Trofeo World Series adds rounds at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, and the Shanghai International Circuit that hosts the Chinese Grand Prix after the returning races at Jarama, Spain (next weekend), Portimao, Portugal (in early June), Imola, Italy (late June), and Paul Ricard, France (in July). Maserati Corse provides the full motorsport experience to gentlemen racers for ⁈110,000 (CAD$140K) for the full season or ⁈70,000 (CAD$90K) for just the European races, including use of the car. Teams owning and fielding their own cars pay ⁈35,000 (CAD$45K) or ⁈25,000 (CAD$32K), respectively. Scroll down for the full press release and check out the latest machinery in the high-res image gallery above. Continue reading Maserati upgrades GranTurismo racer for 2012 Trofeo MC World Series Maserati upgrades GranTurismo racer for 2012 Trofeo MC World Series originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments This SEMA show car goes 293 km/h at Mojave Mile [w/video] Filed under: Coupe, Aftermarket, Ford, Videos, Motor sports, Racing, Performance By and large, the machines created for the SEMA show in Las Vegas are built for lounging around under convention center lights and not much else. All those go-fast parts we see bolted on do little more than collect lustful stares from from the crowd. But Creations n' Chrome set out to discover just what their bolt on additions to its Ford Mustang were good for. Under the outrageous 3dCarbon bodykit sits a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 good for around 580 horsepower at 8 psi of boost on stock internals. KW served up a set of Variant 3 coilovers, and Hotchkis took care of front and rear sway bars. The crew rolled the blown Mustang out the to the Mojave Mile for a top speed run. The machine racked up a final velocity of 293.5 km/h (182.4 mph), though the final seconds of the run looked anything but stable. Still, we're impressed at the machine's performance. For perspective, the Boss 302 is only good for 249 km/h (155 mph). Check out the video for yourself below. Continue reading This SEMA show car goes 293 km/h at Mojave Mile [w/video] This SEMA show car goes 293 km/h at Mojave Mile [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Hennessey Ford GT hits over 342 km/h in standing shootout Filed under: Coupe, Aftermarket, Ford, Videos, Motor sports, Racing, Performance, Track Tested Mark Heidaker's Hennessey Ford GT is back to work snagging records. Sean Kennedy once again took to the wheel of the machine at the Houston Half Mile Shootout, and just as before, the duo didn't disappoint. Kennedy was able to pilot the wicked GT to an astonishing 342.6 km/h (212.9 mph) in a mere 0.8 kilometers (half mile), successfully snagging the world record in the process. Not too shabby. As you may recall, this same team walked away with the standing mile world record back in March. At that time, Kennedy shot the Ford GT to 414.7 km/h (257.7 mph) in the allotted distance. We have to wonder what these guys have up their sleeves for the next stunt. Click Scroll down to check out the understandably quick half mile video for yourself. Continue reading Hennessey Ford GT hits over 342 km/h in standing shootout Hennessey Ford GT hits over 342 km/h in standing shootout originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Extreme Big Wheel stunt at Laguna Seca corkscrew [w/video] Filed under: Videos, Motor sports, Humour, Specialty, Racing The legendary corkscrew at Laguna Seca has is a big challenge feared by many drivers, as even the world's best still consider it one of the toughest sections of track in auto racing. And what better way to separate the men from the boys than tackle the notorious corkscrew turn at Laguna Seca... on a Big Wheel?! This wild stunt performed by GT Channel's Taro Koki is designed to demonstrate the challenging height, angle and speeds of this treacherous turn. I'm sure many of you can personally attest to this, as we've all fallen victim to this nasty turn behind the wheel on PS3 or XBox. You've gotta see this incredible video, as the pedals seem to spin up at like 9,000 on this tight turn! Much respect goes out to Big Wheel stuntman Taro Koki and remember, don't try this at home. Click here to watch this Big Wheel take to the corkscrew head-on. Continue reading Extreme Big Wheel stunt at Laguna Seca corkscrew [w/video] Extreme Big Wheel stunt at Laguna Seca corkscrew [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Honda Indy Toronto renews key contracts through 2014 Filed under: Canada, Honda, Motor sports, Racing With 26 years of IndyCar racing history in Toronto, the Honda Indy continues to be a hot summer tradition and fan favourite event. Kim Green and Kevin Savoree (owners of Green Savoree Toronto LLC), recently announced the renewal of key contracts that reside at the very heart of the Honda Indy Toronto. Contract renewals have been signed and secured with the City of Toronto, Honda Canada, Exhibition Place, Tourism Toronto and INDYCAR through to 2014. This is great news, as the annual event has entertained Toronto residents and visitors since 1986, bringing celebrities, athletes, and a festival of live entertainment to the vibrant city. "With a strong heritage in open-wheel racing, Toronto continues to be a great fit for INDYCAR," said Randy Bernard, CEO of INDYCAR. "It's important from a business standpoint to be in one of the largest DMAs in North America. The circuit continues to produce some of our most competitive and memorable races and the Canadian race fans are some of the most enthusiastic in all of sports. Green Savoree has produced a first-class event in Toronto and we look forward to continuing our relationship well into the future." The Honda Indy Toronto takes place July 6-8, 2012 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. Click here or scroll below for full press release details. News Source: Honda Indy Toronto Gallery: Paul Tracy at 2011 Honda Indy Toronto Continue reading Honda Indy Toronto renews key contracts through 2014 Honda Indy Toronto renews key contracts through 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 15 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Patrick Dempsey makes ALMS debut at Laguna Seca Filed under: Celebrities, Motor sports, Racing Actor Patrick Dempsey is no stranger to racing. After his wife sent him to a three-day Skip Barber driving school, the actor fell in love with road racing has gone on to compete in Grand-Am for the last several years. McDreamy even got the chance to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2009, finishing in 9th in the GT2 class behind the wheel of a Ferrari F430 GT. After getting a taste of Le Mans, Dempsey now has aspirations to return to the legendary endurance race, but this time with his own team and his own car. At the 12 Hours of Sebring earlier this year, Dempsey Racing announced that they would be fielding a car in the P2 class for part of the 2012 ALMS season with the eventual goal of competing at the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans. Dempsey and his team took the first steps towards their Le Mans goal this past weekend by debuting their new V8-powered Lola B12/87 race car in the P2 class at the six-hour ALMS race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. This was Dempsey's first time driving a modern prototype race car, and he admitted there would be a steep learning curve. "It feels familiar but so much more intense - the braking, the acceleration, cornering and power, it is all on a much more dynamic level than the GT cars I have driven," Dempsey said after a practice session with the car. "It's an amazing machine and it is incredible to even have the opportunity to race in a car like this at this level, and what better track to start with than Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca." Dempsey and his team eventually finished 30th overall and fourth in class - not bad for a brand new team with a rookie driver. They plan to compete in several more races this year and will be running the full ALMS season in 2013. You can see photos of the Dempsey Racing Lola B12/87 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the gallery above. Image Credit: Copyright 2012 Drew Phillips / AOL Patrick Dempsey makes ALMS debut at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

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