BMW are launching the new M6 in both Coupe and Convertible form; both offering the traditional M values of power and performance in a beautifully handling and crafted package.
In either guise the M6 is powered by a 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine offering 560bhp (a class leading figure) and 680Nm of torque powering the car to 62mph from standstill in 4.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 189mph (with the M Driver package).
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through an active rear differential via a 7 speed M Double Clutch Transmission which offers Drivelogic, launch control and low speed assistance.
Braking and suspension are as impressive as ever with Dynamic Damper Control and DSC as standard and unique carbon-ceramic brakes available as an optional extra.
The Coupe benefits from a carbon reinforced roof whilst both models have adaptive LED headlamps fitted as standard. Wider arches and improved aerodynamics combined with subtle styling alterations to set the M6 apart from other BMW 6s. At the rear two pairs of twin exhausts help the exhaust gases exit quickly and tunefully.
Despite being more powerful (with a 30% increase in torque) the new M6 is more than 30% more frugal than the model it replaces.
Paul Miller Racing {link} have a brand new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR for the 2012 Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series {link} driven by Bryce Miller and Sascha Maassen who will be joined by Rob Bell for the two endurance races on the ALMS schedule. As well as a brand new Porsche Paul Miller Racing are also using Dunlop tyres for the first time too.
The three drivers began to acquaint themselves with their new Porsche GT3 RSR for the first time during the two-day ALMS Winter Test at Sebring International Raceway. While there’s still plenty of work to be done between now and the season-opening 60th Anniversary Twelve Hours of Sebring fuelled by Fresh From Florida on Saturday, March 17, the two days in Central Florida were certainly well spent.
"Obviously, Porsche has built an incredible car, as we learnt at this test," said team owner Paul Miller. "It's still early days and we have a lot of work ahead of us, but we were really encouraged by this first test. We were not striving to set the world on fire and were treating these last couple days as more of a shakedown, but we are really pleased, not only with the car, but the new Dunlop tyres as well."
"We had a very positive first test with our new Porsche and the Dunlop tyres that are new for us too," Maassen said. "Even though the test was meant to be a shakedown only, we managed to go quicker than we ever ran before and we hope to have a lot more potential as well." "I was happy to hear that Rob Bell will join us for the Twelve Hours of Sebring. He is not only quick, but he knows a lot about the Dunlop tyres. We are now continuing to prepare for a hopefully successful race in Sebring!"
The team will return to Sebring later in February for another test before the race week in March. The 2012 ALMS season begins with the 60th Anniversary Twelve Hours of Sebring fuelled by Fresh from Florida on Saturday, March 17.
Lewis Hamilton stepped into MP4-27 for the first time on Thursday, taking over from Jenson Button, who had conducted the previous two days’ testing at Jerez.
As with Jenson, the first day was about acclimatising Lewis to the new car, finding a workable set-up direction and ironing out a few minor issues following Lewis’s initial feedback. After completing 80 laps, and setting a 1m19.464s best, Lewis declared himself happy and comfortable with the new car.
He said: “Today felt pretty good considering it was my first time in the new car. My initial feelings are pretty positive, despite going through a long, tough programme of initial tests – there were no nasty surprises, which is pleasing. This year’s car feels a bit different from last year’s: in 2011, we had so much stability from the rear-end, particularly in the high-speed corners – but we’re now having to find that grip elsewhere, or, at least, take grip off the front and somehow offload it at the rear.”
“This car’s baseline is something we can really work with. I know the men and women back at the factory will take a lot from this test and translate it into something new and even better for the next test. The car feels reasonably quick – and that’s a nice feeling.”
Lewis Hamilton was in the MP4-27 yesterday for his second day of testing.
After Lewis completed 86 laps, and set a 1m19.640s best, David Redding, Team Manager, McLaren Racing said:“Today was a good day of testing.The first hour or so was spent aero data gathering, then Lewis embarked on two or three hours intensive set up work, exploring suspension geometries and general car set up. The afternoon was then spent comparing tyre compounds.
We had the opportunity to try some changes that were time consuming, so things you wouldn’t normally do at a race weekend. It was good to get those fundamental changes and tests out of the way early on. The car ran reliably and without any issues.”
Jenson Button began the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team’s 2012 pre-season testing programme at Jerez yesterday morning. The day started slowly, with Jenson and the team conducting a number of shorter runs, before completing a thorough systems check to ensure the car was running reliably.
Before lunchtime, however, the car was back on track as the team begun a number of longer runs lasting for the remainder of the day. These were useful in helping the team to begin measuring tyre-wear on Pirelli’s new-spec rubber and assessing the MP4-27’s fundamental handling characteristics over the course of a stint.
Following the day’s running, Jenson said: “It’s been a good day: this morning, we ran through our installation and systems checks and the running was good. We’ve been gathering data on aerodynamics, downforce levels, temperatures and the feeling inside the cockpit.
“We did a 15-lap timed run this afternoon, which is a good starting point for us – and the consistency was okay. It’s been a positive day: there are no niggly areas with the car, which is nice. Overall, today was just a starting point, and was all about putting miles on the car. There are some promising signs, so I’m happy.
“It’s now important for us to get a clean day of running tomorrow, put some miles on the car and find a direction that we like. Today’s a very good basis for the next few days.”
Today was Jenson’s second day of testing with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 and another day spent getting used to the new chassis and evaluating a series of braking, set-up and software changes made to the car – particularly the effect on balance and stability at both high and low speeds.
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team manager David Redding said: “Despite the cold and windy conditions, Jenson was able to log further mileage with MP4-27 today. It’s still early days, and this was very much an exploratory day, but we were able to get a useful understanding of how the car behaves and reacts out on the track.
“It’s satisfying that Jenson’s been able to complete more than 600km of trouble-free running over the past two days; that puts us in a good position for the rest of the week.”
Tomorrow sees Lewis Hamilton continue the test programme on the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27.
Flying Lizard Motorsports announced today its driver lineup for the 2012 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The team will field two new racecars in the GT class for the ALMS season: the No. 45 and No. 44 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs. Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long, both Porsche factory drivers, will return for their fourth consecutive season driving together in the No. 45; this will be Bergmeister's fifth year with the team. Bergmeister is a five- time ALMS GT drivers' champion (2005-2006 and 2008-2010). The 2008, 2009 and 2010 championships were won with Flying Lizard in the No. 45. Long has won the title three times: 2005, and 2009-2010, each with Bergmeister. At Sebring, the pair will be joined by Porsche factory driver Marco Holzer. 2012 will be Holzer's second year with the team. After Sebring, Holzer will return to his regular seat in the sister No. 44 Porsche for the season.
For Sebring, in the No. 44, Seth Neiman will be joined by Darren Law and Andy Lally. Law has driven with the Lizards since 2004 and will return as a guest driver at in 2012. Sebring will be Lally's first race with the team. Lally heads to Sebring following a GT win last week at the 2012 Rolex 24 At Daytona (with Magnus Racing). 2012 is Lally's fourth GT win at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Among his notable achievements in endurance racing and stock car racing, Lally was named NASCAR Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year for 2011. Click here for more information on Lally.
This spring sees the market launch of the first open-top two-seater in MINIs long and successful history – in the guise of the MINI Roadster. The latest MINI model is a sporty compact car for those drivers who want to enjoy the excitement of driving a sporty MINI with the chance to sample the pleasures of top-down motoring (the MINI Roadster’s soft-top can be quickly and easily opened by hand).There is more to the MINI Roadster than just style (the padded stainless steel roll-over bars have a safety function) as a 240 litre boot ensures the MINI Roadster offers versatile loading options, thanks in particular to the wide through-loading aperture behind the seats.
The customary MINI, highly enjoyable, go-kart feeling ensures unequalled driving fun helped by standard Dynamic Stability Control system and an active rear spoiler.
MINI Roadster drivers get a vast range of standard equipment including air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an MP3-capable audio system with CD player and AUX IN connection. The MINI Roadster comes in a range of two non-metallic and six metallic shades with a black.
Audi have launched their TDIe engines into the A5 coupe and Sportback models making them more appealing and more frugal. Available in 136PS and 163PS versions the 2 litre TDIe engines are perfect for sprightly performance without sacrificing economy. The new "e" units compliment the current selection of TDI engines in the A5 Sportback range; including the 143PS and 177PS versions of the 2.0-litre engine plus the 3.0-litre V6 TDI in 204PS and 245PS forms, the latter linked to quattro all-wheel-drive without exception. The A5 Coupe is available with the 177PS 2.0-litre TDI and the two V6 TDIs along with the newly launched TDIe engines.
Launched in conjunction with the TDIe engines is a new trim level; SE Technik which is available for all A5 Sportback and Coupe four-cylinder TDI models. First seen in the A4 Saloon and Avant ranges the SE Technik trim adds DVD satellite navigation, Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection, the Audi Parking Plus system with front and rear sensors as well as cruise control to the familiar SE equipment list.
Both new TDIe engines are also available allied to Standard, SE and S line trim in the A5 Sportback, and Standard and SE in the Coupe.
The new ML 63 AMG comes with an exciting technology package: the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine features spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, ECO start/stop system, an all-aluminium crankcase, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air-water intercooling and alternator management. With a displacement of 5461ccm, the eight-cylinder AMG Performance improved engine generates a maximum power output of 557 bhp and 760 newton metres.
Both variants of the ML 63 AMG enable sports-car performance: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.8 seconds and 4.7 seconds respectively, while the top speed stands at 250 km/h (electronically limited). With or without AMG Performance package, the NEDC fuel consumption figure of 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres (276 g CO2/km) remains the same.
As efficiency-enhancing measures, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission incorporates a new fuel-economy converter with centrifugal pendulum, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and a transmission-oil thermal management system. Friction loss-minimised axle gears, electric steering, an optimised belt drive, and demand-responsive control of all ancillary units and pumps all help to further reduce fuel consumption.
As previously, Mercedes-AMG deploys a specially designed transfer case for the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive which distributes the engine power at a ratio of 40 : 60 to the front and rear axle in the interests of high driving dynamics. Furthermore, the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with AIRMATIC package – consisting of air suspension, independent damper struts, automatic level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS) – features for the first time in combination with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilisation. This system, which comes as standard, employs active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to compensate the body's roll angles during cornering. In addition to enhanced agility and driving enjoyment, the system also improves driving stability for added safety at higher speeds in particular.
Roll stabilisation, damping and suspension adapt automatically to the prevailing driving situation, offering both optimum ride comfort and maximum stability. The driver is able to choose at the push of a button between the three suspension modes "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus". The fully load-bearing air suspension system is speed-sensitive, lowering the body at higher speeds in order to minimise drag while increasing driving stability.
The AMG-specific elastokinematics at the front axle and the more robustly designed rear axle stabiliser bar are responsible for improved steering precision. The enhanced drive train stands for optimum power transmission and hallmark Mercedes reliability. The 4ETS electronic traction control system which features as standard provides for optimised grip when low friction coefficients apply.
Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering features variable vehicle speed-dependent power assistance and helps to save fuel, as the steering assist function only requires energy when the driver actually moves the steering wheel. The ML 63 AMG comes as standard with 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in 9 x 20 format, painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with tyres in size 265/45 R 20. Tyres in size 295/35 R 21 on AMG light-alloy wheels in 10 x 21 format are optionally available. The AMG high-performance braking system provides for the shortest possible braking distances and high fade resistance, featuring ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round in size 390 x 36 (front) and 345 x 26 millimetres (rear).
The design of the new ML 63 AMG exudes self-confidence, athleticism and power. The AMG bodystyling dominates the front view: under the radiator grille with louvres painted in high-gloss black and the large Mercedes star is a large cooling air intake. Together with the two outer air intakes, the central radiator grille provides for an effective flow of air to the water, engine oil, charge-air and transmission oil coolers. Fitted at the bottom of the AMG front apron is a trim strip in matt silver chrome, which lends the front a wider appearance while harmonising with the surrounds of the daytime running lamps in the side cooling air intakes. The headlamps cut a particularly high-quality and exclusive figure in combination with the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS). The AMG front apron is integrated with the distinctive front wings, which are 10 millimetres wider on either side in order to accommodate the large AMG light-alloy wheels in elegant fashion. "V8 BITURBO" logos identify the vehicle as the flagship AMG model in the M-Class. Dynamically profiled AMG side sill panels establish a visual link between the front and rear of the vehicle.
Another eye-catching feature is the AMG rear apron with its simulated black air outlet openings. They emphasise the vehicle's width similarly to the trim strips in matt silver chrome, which cite the design of the front apron and frame the AMG sports exhaust system. In contrast to the other M-Class variants, the ML 63 AMG features two sets of chrome twin tailpipes. The full and distinctive eight-cylinder sound is an AMG hallmark.
A sporty character and premium quality define the interior of the high-performance SUV from AMG. This is embodied in the electrically adjustable AMG sports seats offering pronounced lateral support as well as the four-spoke AMG performance steering wheel, which ensures optimum control of the vehicle with perforated leather in the grip area, aluminium shift paddles and a rim with a flattened bottom section. Aluminium trim and the piano-lacquer retractable cover in the centre console highlight the interior's dynamic and exclusive flair. The standard leather upholstery includes contrasting double topstitching and AMG badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats. Dashboard, armrests and door panelling in AMG-specific design are finished in ARTICO man-made leather with double topstitching. The distinctively designed instrument cluster with colour TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is exclusive to the ML 63 AMG. In line with the Mercedes-Benz brand philosophy, the new ML 63 AMG is the embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz holistic safety concept of Real Life Safety, which is derived primarily from what happens in a real accident situation. The extremely robust passenger compartment, together with the front and rear deformation zones, forms an effective basis for the occupant protection systems. Up to nine airbags, activated on demand in accordance with the accident type and accident severity, can reduce the loads exerted on the occupants. In addition to active safety systems such as the standard-fit Brake Assist (BAS) or the optional BAS PLUS, which can help to prevent an accident or reduce the severity of an accident, the new M-Class features further enhanced passive-safety measures to help protect pedestrians.
Both active safety and driver-fitness safety are improved by assistance systems that will already be familiar, primarily from the S-Class and E-Class. The standard equipment package includes the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the anticipatory safety system PRE-SAFE® and a tyre pressure monitoring system, as well as adaptive brake lights and the ESP® Electronic Stability Program. Active assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available as additional equipment options.
The launch of the McLaren MP4-27 at the McLaren Technology Centre showcased a natural evolution of last year’s six-race-winning car and underlined the message that the new season is very much one of growth through strength and continuity.
After finishing second in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships in 2011, McLaren intend to fight for both Drivers and Contructors world titles from the very start of the 2012 campaign. The evolutionary design of MP4-27 masks an overhaul of all major systems meaning that while the all-new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 closely resembles last year’s multiple race-winning car, the 2012 chassis has been substantially revised from the ground-up, with all major systems updated or re-designed for the new season. The most evident visual differences include more tightly waisted rear bodywork, developed to improve flow to the rear of the car, and a revised cooling system, which re-directs the gearbox oil-cooler. Last year’s U-shaped sidepods have also been re-designed – a legacy of the FIA’s new exhaust regulations that redefine the shape of the rear bodywork.
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is the only team in Formula 1 whose driver line-up consists of two world champions: Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Between them, they have scored 22 grand prix victories for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and are the strongest and most consistent driver line-up in the sport.
Following a one-day private shakedown, Jenson will begin track testing of the MP4-27 at Spain’s Circuito de Jerez on Tuesday February 7.
Back in 2010 when the Virginia-based BMW experts entered GRAND-AM’s Street Tuner class with a pair of BMW 328is, the team ran inside the top 10 and scored a podium on its Daytona debut. With the expansion to three ST cars for 2012, the same was true as the No. 81 BimmerWorld BMW of veteran Gregory Liefooghe and rookie David Levine placed third, and the No. 80 of team owner James Clay and star sophomore John Capestro-Dubets took eighth at the BMW Performance 200.
The third car in BimmerWorld’s fleet, the No. 82 CRC BRAKLEEN® BMW 328i driven by race winner Seth Thomas and the experienced Dan Rogers, was on pace to join the No. 80 and 81 in the top 10 until a hard hit by a competitor forced them to the pits for lengthy repairs.
Although the incident that befell the No. 82 CRC BRAKLEEN® entry left plenty of points on the table, Clay came away from the wet/dry Round 1 race feeling positive about what the team can achieve across the entire 10-race championship.
“Certainly we have very capable cars and we are seeing the results of a winter of hard work and development, but our competition is tough and has some highly impressive speed,” Clay said. “I had hoped to win the BMW Performance 200 for BMW and we certainly gave it our all. And while we didn’t win, we showed that we have the team to do it when the opportunity arises and it will be a good year for the BimmerWorld guys.”
As the top finishers for BimmerWorld, Liefooghe and Levine got a chance to lead the race and to engage in a thrilling drafting battle on the high-banked portion of the blended oval and road course circuit, with Liefooghe, who drove the final stint, settling for third in the No. 81 after leading with one lap to go.
“The race went well for us and we can never complain about being on the podium,” he said. “It's a great way to rack up points for the championship. Daytona has always been a drafting track and I was expecting to have a lot of action, but the numerous full course cautions and traffic did not play in our favor. On the last restart, I made sure to create a gap, and I managed to get out reach for the Kia and the Mazda to get in my draft, only to have a GS car slow me down and make me vulnerable. That's when my competitors passed me in a two-car draft like a NASCAR restrictor plate race.
“On the last lap I still was set up nicely to get a run out of the bus stop and draft to the finish line, but another GS backmarker thought otherwise and came in the middle of the fight. It's hard to say if we would have won but it would have been a three-wide finish. It was frustrating, but I still feel good about our performance. It feels like we have a much more competitive car this year thanks to the hard work BimmerWorld put in the off-season and that we'll be fighting for wins all season long.”
For Levine, standing on the podium in his pro racing debut was just one of many highlights during the event.
“I am very pleased with our result at Daytona,” Levine said. “It would have been great to bring BMW a win in their title race, but I am still pleased with third. Overall, I was surprised by how clean the racing was. There were several times where there could have been contact but there wasn't any. I really enjoyed my fight with Mark Pombo and Andy Lally. The car was amazing in the rain which made racing for the lead very easy. It was a great weekend and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the BimmerWorld program.”
Capestro-Dubets was originally scheduled to switch to the role of closing driver this season, but a setback just before the Daytona race meant he will have to wait until Round 2 to take the reins from Clay. With Clay closing out the race in the No. 80, he and “JCD” got their championship aspirations off to a proper start by placing inside the top 10.
“Coming to Daytona this year was a heart break for me because of an injury that happened only days before leaving that would keep me from closing,” said JCD. “I have been preparing and waiting patiently for my chance to show my abilities as a closing driver, and with this injury keeping me from that, the drive from within to put the No. 80 on top grows and grows.
“Daytona was challenging enough last year, being my first time to the track, my first Continental race and being only my ninth race weekend ever! Then, only a year later, to be returning with a broken hand, and running in the top three during my stint, then bringing home a clean car for James was a major result. Overcoming the physical and mental challenge of this race was a victory in itself.”
Finishing 31st in class was hardly a just reward for Thomas and Rogers in the No. 82 CRC BRAKLEEN® BMW 328i, but the longstanding BimmerWorld driver felt the team as a whole gave him every reason to feel 2012 will be a good year for the entire program.
“Even with the lack of judgment by another driver that spoiled our race, I am pumped about what I saw with the BimmerWorld team this past weekend,” said Thomas. “Everyone performed at the top of their game – from the drivers to all the crew guys. This will help us as a team to be at the top in the points all season long fighting it out for team, manufacturer and driver Championships. Dan was solid in the CRC BRAKLEEN® BMW. He found speed when he needed it, keeping us in the fight from the start of the race. He was amazing on a wet track, having never driven the BMW E90 chassis platform on the Continental rain tires. With the speed he has shown so far, we will be fighting for wins and podiums this year.”
For Rogers, the sting of missing out on a top finish soured what should have been a strong debut with BimmerWorld.
“The weekend was good, however, the result was one of the most disappointing I've had,” he said frankly, showing his competitive fire. “Everyone in the BimmerWorld team expects success and in my short time with them, I do as well I guess. I just need to keep looking for a bit more speed to hang with our other drivers in the starting role, but with Seth as a teammate and Wayne Yawn handling our race strategy, we'll be in the game. We have every reason to feel encouraged about the first race, and now we just need to get to the finish at the second race to show what we can achieve.”
Follow the team’s progress at www.BimmerWorldRacing.com as they prepare for the next race on March 30th at Barber Motorsports Park.
Volkswagen has introduced the up! to an expectant motoring public with a five-door version of the up! city car following closely on the heels of the three-door version. Strangely neither are even available to drive out from a Volkswagen showroom yet! Adding even more excitement to the up! range is the up!GT and E-up!
Both three-door and five-door up!s give more than acceptable interior and boot space (251 litres boot capacity). The rear passengers in the five-door up! sit slightly higher than in the three-door in an attempt to allow the to see more of the road in front. One presumes the three-door up! is being seen more as a two seat city car with very little rear seat use (a more practical and useful Smart if you will).
Both (in fact all internal combustion) up!s are powered by a three-cylinder engine ensuring excellent economy and emission whilst still retaining a decent level of get-up-and-go. Safety remains admirable with the Volkswagen up! has receiving a five-star rating and the Advanced Award from Euro NCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme, the first vehicle in this class to do so.
The up! range come with front and side airbags, ABS (including Hydraulic Brake Assist), Isofix child seat preparation in the rear and standard ESP (except the entry level model).
A small range of options, including Emergency City Brake are available for the smallest Volkswagen and it has been received very well by the UK motoring press; the up! is What Car? Car of the Year for 2012 and has also been named TopGear magazine's Small Car of the Year.
First UK deliveries of the three-door up! are due this March with the five-door up! following on during the second half of the year; prices for the three-door up! start at £7,995
The up!GT remains officially unofficial but the details of the hot city car are cast in stone, especially as pre-production models are being tested by the press on a daily basis.....
The up!GT will have a turbo charged 3 cylinder petrol engine producing 110PS which is a little bit more powerful than the car the up!GT is readily compared to - the mark one Golf GTI.
With a nice amount of torque for a small urban runabout (173Nm) this up! adds a little extra to the city car mould. Compared to a current hot hatch the up!GT is low on power and top speed (just under 125mp/h) but it really is high on fun, the lower ride height sharpening handling enough to be sporty without making the up!GT too much like an unsprung go-kart. Add in an effective and well made 6 speed gearbox and the up!GT can be hustled along accompanied by a wonderful induction roar.
Whilst not quite production ready the up!GT is expected to make it into UK showrooms either very late in 2012 or (more likely) in the Spring of 2013.
The Volkswagen up!GT offers something not see in the super-mini class since the Lupo GTI ceased production, fun! At an expected price of between £12500 and £13500 the up!GT should offer reasonable value for money too.
Another up! waiting in the shadows ready for launch is the E-up! which boasts a 82PS electric motor offering an impressive 240Nm of torque. Designed purely for city use the E-up! is limited to a top speed of 80mp/h but offers a range of around 90 miles. Tested down to -28 degrees C the E-up! seems to be a winter option for city dwellers too, although how long the battery will last at that temperature remains a little uncertain. Expect to see the E-up! debut around the same time as the E Golf. Price remains speculation but the E-up! should be around the same an up!GT with all the options added.
The RACE EPIC/Murillo Racing team left the opening round of Grand-Am’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) with a strong 6th place result and a good foundation to build on heading into the second-round of the series in March. Jesse Combs qualified the #56 Coolgas / Frank’s International BMW 328i in the 4th position and ran among the leaders before handing the car over to teammate, Jeff Mosing. Mosing would have a strong battle for the top four in the closing laps and eventually place 6th in the 41-car field.
“I’m happy with our 6th place finish,” said Jesse Combs. “We scored some solid points today and showed once again we are contenders in the most competitive endurance series in America. We are going to continue to work hard over the next two months as we prepare for round two of the series at Barber Motorsports Park.”
The team travels next to Barber Motorsports Park at the end of March for Round #2 of the CTSCC. Both drivers look forward to the Barber round as they had one of the cars to beat in the closing laps there one-year ago.
"This is a great start for us,” said Mosing. “We didn’t have the best start to the season here in Daytona last year, so finishing 6th was great. We are even more excited to be going back to Barber where I was able to qualify 2nd and Jesse brought the car home in 3rd. It was our only podium of the year and we feel our team has improved even more. ” For more information about Race Epic/Murillo Racing, visit www.raceepic.com For information regarding Grand Am’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, including schedules, visit www.Grand-Am.com
Flying Lizard {link} announced today that the team has received two entries for the 2012 24 Heures du Mans in Le Mans, France, on June 16-17, 2012. The full entry list was unveiled today by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) in a press conference in Paris.
The Flying Lizard entries will be the No. 80, which will compete in the GTE Pro class, and the No. 79, which will compete in the GTE Am class. Both racecars will be Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs. The full entry list is here.
Flying Lizard team principal Seth Neiman commented, "It's an honor to be invited to participate at this prestigious event. 2011 was our first year fielding two entries and we are pleased to be able to return in 2012 with the No. 80 and No. 79 Porsches."
Flying Lizard has competed in the 24 Heures du Mans for seven consecutive years: 2005 to 2011. The Flying Lizard No. 80 finished third in 2005, fourth in 2006, sixth in 2008 and sixth in 2011.
The driver lineup will be announced later this Spring.
BMW tuner Hamann {link} offers a comprehensive selection of tuning options for the BMW 5 series (F11) Touring. Ranging from a roof spoiler, deeper side skirts, 3 different front spoilers to sports exhaust, sports catalysts as well as 21" wheels and suspension kits.
Designed to improve not only the appearance but also the handling of the BMW the Hamann suspension kit is progressive allowing better damping and a 35mm lowering of the Touring (over standard).
The F11s interior also comes in for the Hamann treatment with their in-house upholsterers offering a wide choice of materials and colours with leather, naturally, being the most selected. To round the whole car off Hamann offer a nice set of velour mats - possibly the least impressive but most affordable tuning part on offer for the F11 from Hamann.
With countless hours of hard work and preparation behind them, Brumos Racing was happy to get back on track at the 2012 season-opener Rolex 24 at Daytona. With momentum of the 2011 Championship behind them, the drivers and crew were confident of their ability to deliver a strong performance and hopeful of delivering a Rolex 24 win as well. The challenges were many, with one of the largest and most competitive fields in Rolex 24 history. Although the hoped-for win proved elusive, Brumos delivered a dominant performance, with the #59 leading the race for 281 laps before ending on the podium with a 3rd place finish. Andrew Davis faced the daunting task of qualifying the Brumos Porsche 911 GT3 in the 45-car GT field. The crew’s hard work put him at the front of the line as the session began, and he delivered, capturing pole position for the #59. Davis described the race as a grueling event, adding, “This is the first of my eleven Rolex 24 starts where I can say we had a flawless run. There was no time spent in the garage, behind the pit wall, in a tire wall, or in the penalty box. At the end, we struggled with a power steering issue and a misfire so unfortunately we weren’t able to challenge for the win after leading so much of the race. I am so proud of the Brumos crew and appreciate all of the support we receive from the entire Brumos organization.” Leh Keen also gave high marks to his crew. “We had a stellar performance and raced for the win the entire 24 hours,” he said. “Our podium finish gives us a great start to defend our championship for 2012, and such a strong run throughout the race also helped us in the Endurance Championship. This was personally my best finish at a Rolex 24 and I am very proud of that. It was really special to share the podium with Hurley Haywood on his final Rolex 24 race. All in all, any time you leave a race soaked in champagne, you have had a good day. I can’t wait for the rest of this season and the chance to show everyone what Brumos can do.” It was fitting that Hurley Haywood ended his 40th Rolex 24 back on the podium, but he was already focused on season ahead. “This was such a hard race,” he said. “We were lucky to have a good car underneath us, and our guys did a great job of driving it. All in all, we ran a trouble-free race until the end. Marc was doing a Herculean job of driving, never knowing from corner to corner if he was going to have power steering or not. But our performance at this race has painted the picture – it has shown our competitors that we are going to be the team to beat in 2012.” Marc Lieb’s performance in the closing stint was applauded by his teammates, as his efforts kept the #59 on the podium despite the challenges. Lieb joined his co-drivers with praise for the crew, saying, “It was an amazing effort, the car was fantastic and the crew did an awesome job with the pit stops. Leh and Andrew were perfect and then we had Hurley doing his 40th race, getting in the car when he didn’t drive much in practice, but doing an awesome job. I can see it’s going to be really difficult this year in the Rolex Series GT class with this level of competition, but Leh and Andrew have the ability and they can do it. I’m sure it’s going to be a great 2012 for Brumos.” For Dan Davis, the podium represented a new milestone for the Brumos GT effort. Davis said, “Brumos accomplished something this week that we have strived for a long time, and that is to finish on the podium at the 24 hours. We were fortunate enough to do that in our DP car and now we are on the podium again for the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24. We were also on the GT pole, which I think is a tremendous salute to our team and our drivers. Our strategy didn’t work out quite as we had planned, but a 3rd place finish in this race is something to be really proud of. I thank all our folks for their hard work and dedication to what we’re trying to do - that is, to win races. I thank everyone at all of our Brumos dealerships, too, for all that they do to enable us to continue to go racing.” The Rolex 24 at Daytona finish puts Brumos in 3rd place in team points standings, and in 2nd place in the North American Endurance Championship, just one point shy of the lead.
Following the post-Rolex 24 break, Brumos {link} is back in action on March 31st in the Porsche 250 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
Oryx Racing successfully completed its maiden race in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, finishing 32nd out of 44 cars in the GT class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The UAE-based team, which included Emirati nationals Humaid Al Masaood and Saeed Al Mehairi in its line-up, overcame a number of challenges to finish the world-famous race in the United States, competing against some of the world’s top racing drivers and teams.
The Abu Dhabi-based team took delivery of its Audi R8 GRAND-AM this month and with less than 1,000-miles of testing on the clock before the race, the Rolex 24 at Daytona was always going to be a steep learning curve. The team will now use the nine-week break before the second round of the series to evaluate important data collected from the Daytona race.
Having started in an encouraging 15th place on the grid, the #74 Oryx Racing Audi R8, driven by Al Masaood, Al Mehairi and Brit Steven Kane, experienced a number of technical issues that restricted the team to a total of 432 laps. Problems with the near standard clutch, unique to the GRAND-AM specification Audi R8, ultimately cost valuable time. The team also learnt a great deal about the car itself and the “control” Continental tyres.
Commenting on the race, team principal Humaid Al Masaood said, “I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season. Bearing in mind the lack of testing we did, I’m delighted with what we achieved – the R8 has masses of potential for the remainder of the season. I did just one, very slow lap after taking over from Steven on Saturday evening but the clutch was malfunctioning and I drove the car straight back to the garage. When I got out again almost three hours later the car felt it had a handling imbalance but it was simply a case of not being used to the Continental tyres but we worked at it and everything came together.”
Al Masaood’s teammate, Steven Kane gave a glimpse of what the Audi, which was also making its US race debut, is capable of when the Ulsterman comfortably ran inside the GT class top-10 early on. In the closing stages on Sunday afternoon the Oryx Racing Audi R8, which set the faster lap of the two Audi sports cars competing, was recording laps comparable with the top six GT cars around the 3.56-mile, 12-turn speedway road course.
For Saeed Al Mehairi, this was not only his debut in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series but also his first appearance for the Oryx Racing team. “It was a tough race and was an amazing all-round team effort. We overcame many problems. I had a ‘long’ brake pedal during my stint on Saturday evening but I quickly adapted to it. I was hit up the rear going in to turn three causing slight rear fender and exhaust damage. We were still having a clutch issue so the team took out the gearbox again and inspected the clutch”, he said.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona was the first race of the season for both the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and for Oryx Racing, which was contesting only its second ever twice-around-the-clock race. The second round of the 13-race series will be staged at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham (US State of Alabama) on March 31st.
