Gallery

Monday, February 28, 2011

Geneva Preshow: New Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 [Updated Gallery]


After nearly a decade of running amok in the land of hypercars, Lamborghini's Murcielago is being retired. In its place will be the Aventador, a 700-hp devil providing a whole new generation with automotive wall art and high-speed screams.

The Aventador LP 700-4, Lambo's newest top dog, hopes to build on the glorious excess of its predecessor. Fusing design cues found in the Reventón and Sesto Elemento, the Lamborghini Aventador has much in common with past Lamborghini flagships: it is named after a famous bull, packs a V12 warp drive, allows entry through a pair of scissor doors, and makes no sense as a daily driver.

It has also picked up the Murcielago's electronic air intakes due to their functionality and downright awesomeness. Broad details, however, are where the similarities stop.

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Audi RS3 Sedan Concept: First Real Life Photos Surface Online


We've already seen teaser sketches of Audi's new A3 Sedan Concept, but tonight, the first real life photos of the design study started circulating around the web ahead of its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Salon . While Audi prefers to call the concept the A3 Sedan, the RS3 Sedan moniker sounds more appropriate given the RS3 Sportback-sourced 2.5-liter turbocharged five-pot with 408 ponies lurking under the bonnet.

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Geneva Preshow: Rolls-Royce 102EX EV Study Might Just have the Largest Passenger Car Battery...in the World


Rolls-Royce has pulled the wraps off the next vehicle in its EX concept series, the 102EX (AKA Phantom Experimental Electric). The 102EX is meant to gauge reactions and opinions from the firm's clientele, shareholders, and the general public in regards to a Roller with a non-traditional drive train. As the 102EX is strictly a concept, Rolls-Royce hopes to resolve any issues that people might have with an all-electric - or any non-traditionally powered - Rolls.

Going back to the RR playbook, customers are the most important people to the Spirit of Ecstasy. Therefore, the manufacturer wants to be sure that expectations are met, not too much extra effort has to be put into ownership ("acceptable range...without frequent recharging"), and a proper Rolls-Royce ownership experience is provided.

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Hamann Gives the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG the Hawk Treatment


Mansory won’t be the only tuning firm to unveil its interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, as Hamann Motorsport has prepared its own version of the gull-winged supercar called the ‘Hawk’.

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Saab's Geneva Motor Show Surprise is Sports Car Concept Called the Phoenix


When Saab first revealed its plans to debut a new concept model at the Geneva Salon a couple of weeks ago, the Swedish company did not release any details whatsoever about the study. And while Saab is still keeping its cards close to its chest, we managed to find out that the study is called the Phoenix and that it's a sports car concept equipped with a turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. The Phoenix is the work of Saab's new design boss of former Bertone fame, Jason Castriota, and its main purpose is to preview the brand's next styling direction.

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Skoda Reveals VisionD Design Study and Brand New Logo


Making its world premiere at the 81st Geneva International Motor Show is the Skoda VisionD, a concept model that previews the brand's new design direction and is the first vehicle to wear Skoda's new logo.

The VisionD concept car takes the form of a sharp-looking five-door hatchback. Skoda claims the long wheelbase and short overhangs allow for above-average interior space, while the dynamic roof line offers the car a “high degree of visual majesty”. The fluent integration of the tailgate into the car's overall line and the absence of a third latteral glass give the hatchback a dynamic appearance.

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Bentley Celebrates Ice Speed Record with New Special Edition Supersports Convertible


To celebrate the 205.5mph (330.7km/h) world ice-speed record that was set two weeks ago by Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Continental Supersports convertible, Bentley has unveiled a new special edition version of its drop-top model that will be built in a limited run of 100 units.

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Volkswagen Reinvents the Microbus with Bulli EV Concept Study


Volkswagen will show a new concept model in Geneva called the Bulli, which is a development of the Microbus study from 2001. However, at 3.99 meters long, 1.75 meters wide and 1.70 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.62 meters, the six-seater compact is more compact than the its predecessor. Volkswagen claims that the interior is spacious enough for six passengers, with three seating up front and three at the back.

The boot volume is 370 liters, but it can be extended to 1,600 liters when the rear bench is folded. The Bulli can also be turned into a camper van, since the seat system can be transformed into a large reclining surface.

The minivan is fitted with a removable iPad in the center console that serves as an infotainment touchscreen, controlling functions such as Bluetooth hands-free telephone, navigation system and media center.

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Mansory Adds Carbon Fiber Body and 89 Ponies to Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


The Swiss aftermarket specialist Mansory has unveiled its take on the the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar and the result of their work is very different from what they began with. For starters, the tuners replaced the Gullwing-door model's aluminium bodyshell with a carbon fiber one, shaving 90 kg of the car's weight in the process.

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Geneva Preshow: Seat IBX Small Crossover Study Hints at Production Model


This is the new Seat IBX, a concept study for a three-door small crossover that will be officially unwrapped at the Geneva Motor Show this week. The IBX appears to be a follow up on Seat's 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Tribu concept, which never managed to reach production. This time, however, the Spanish subsidiary of the VW Group says the IBX demonstrates "a possible expansion of the SEAT product portfolio".

Like the Tribu, the IBX has also been penned by Seat's Chief Designer of former Lamborghini fame, Luc Donckerwolke. “The IBX was created from the gene pool of our next vehicle generation. This design DNA will have a profound impact on every one of our models,” said Donckerwolke. “And, with this urban sports utility vehicle, we are proving that with our design, our sporty pedigree and our youthful character, we can also create a vehicle concept that is unique among SUVs.”

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850HP Dacia Duster to Go Hill Climbing at Pikes Peak


After successfully competing in the Andros Trophy ice-racing championship with F1 star Alain Prost behind the wheel, the guys at Renault Sport Technologies want the Dacia Duster to perform in a whole different league. In particular, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb which will be held on June 26 this year.

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Ford to Debut BTCC Focus Race Car at Geneva Motor Show


The first ever touring race car version of the all-new Ford Focus will make its world premiere at this week's 2011 Geneva Motor Show, ahead of it is scheduled track debut in the British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch towards the end of March.

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Geneva Preshow: Ford Reveals B-MAX Small MPV Study Based on the Fiesta


Scheduled to make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show this week is Ford's brand-new B-MAX concept that previews the firm's upcoming small MPV, designed to replace the current European Fusion and rival the Opel Meriva. Based on the
Fiesta platform, the almost production-ready minivan has some striking features, the most obvious being the new door concept. It has no B-pillar and the twin doors have a conventional opening system in the front and a sliding system in the back.

By eliminating the traditional B-pillar, Ford promises best-in-class access to the cabin without compromising safety. With both front and rear doors open, the aperture measures 1.5 metres, around twice the width offered by competitors, according to Ford.

“With its unique door format and dynamic design, the B-MAX sends a strong message that customers looking for a compact, stylish and versatile vehicle will soon have an exciting new choice,” said Stephen Odell, CEO of Ford Europe. Another highlight is the lack of door handles, with the opening system being remote-controlled.

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VIDEO: AC Schnitzer's Diesel-Powered BMW Z4 and 540HP 5-Series


The new BMW Z4-based 99d roadster and the BMW 550i-based ACS5 sports saloon will hog the limelight on AC Schnitzer's stand at this week's 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Both models were developed to offer performance without compromising on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. The Z4 99d comes with a 190HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, while the ACS5 features a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 gasoline unit pumping out 540-ponies. Scope out the first promotional videos of AC Schnitzer's newest tunes right after the break.

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Geneva Preshow: New Koenigsegg Agera R gets 1,115 HP and...a Roof Box


Koenigsegg, the Swedish maker of exotic sports cars will bring its newest creation, the Agera R hypercar, along with the final production version of the Agera to this week's Geneva Salon. Building on the design of the 15-year-old CC, the Agera looks unmistakably "Koenigsegg".

The paint scheme of the car that will be displayed in Geneva is inspired by the legendary Speed Racer theme, as specified by the owner of the car. But as impressive as it might be, the design pales in comparison with the technology present beneath the car's carbon fiber skin.

The monocoque chassis weighs only 70 kg and the dry weight of the car is 1,330 kg, which makes it the lightest fully homologated hypercar in production, according to Koenigsegg. That's all the more remarkable given the fact that the 5.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine is capable of 1,115 horsepower and 1,200 Nm when running on E85 ethanol biofuel (940 hp and 1,100 Nm on regular 95 octane gasoline).

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Nissan Qashqai Surpasses 1 Million Sales Milestone


Nissan's well-received Qashqai model has just passed the 1,000,000 sales mark after four years in production. The compact crossover model, which is also known as the Dualis in Japan and Australia and other markets, was designed and engineered in Britain. Introduced in 2007, Nissan expanded the crossover's range with the presentation of the seven-seater, long-wheelbase version called the Qashqai+2 in 2008, while the entire series received an update in March 2010 with a refreshed design and powertrain refinements.

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Holden Unveils Aussie-Built Cruze Series II with New 2.0L Diesel and 1.4L Turbo Petrol


Holden, General Motors' Australian division, introduced an updated version of its Cruze sedan bearing the Series II moniker today. The facelift brings powertrain, chassis and some styling changes, but most importantly, it marks the switch to local production starting from March, 2011. Up until now, the Holden Cruze sedan was imported to Australia from Korea. The first locally built compact model in the country in more than a decade will be manufactured at Holden's plant in Elizabeth, South Australia.

The styling updates on the Cruze Series II are kept to a minimum and concern the new trapezoidal grille, subtly redesigned front bumper, new headlamp bezels and a different rear fascia treatment.

The facelift brings two new engines, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline unit, while the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine carries over with some minor revisions from the Series 1 model.

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Ford Brings SYNC Technology to Europe Starting with the New Focus


Ford will offer the infotainment and connectivity system to its European models starting from 2012, the company announced today. The all-new Focus will be the first vehicle in Europe to feature the SYNC technology, with other models to follow. Ford said it wants to have 2 million SYNC-equipped cars on European roads by 2015.

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Sunday, February 27, 2011

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series Rendered


It's only a matter of time before Mercedes-Benz unleashes an AMG version of its new C-Class Coupe to rival BMW's two-door M3, but Carscoop reader Luis Silva from Portugal decided to craft a quick chop of the C63 AMG Coupe for our viewing pleasure.

The actual C63 AMG Coupe could be revealed as early as this year's edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Given that the two-door model is based on the current C-Class series, it's almost certain that the two-door variant will keep the 2012 C63 AMG Sedan's 6.2-liter V8, which produces 457HP and 600Nm / 442 lb-ft of torque in standard trim and 487HP with the optional AMG Performance package.

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VIDEO: This is how Muammar Gaddafi Rolls


When Muammar al-Gaddafi isn't taking "care" of his people [...], the Libyan dictator garners the media attention for his excessive behaviors. Take for instance the way Gaddafi chose to cruise the streets of Rome when he visited Italy last year: a motorcade of no less than 36 cars was necessary for the overly eccentric leader. And that's not even close to extreme by Gaddafi's standards. Read more »

U SPY...from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show


We're less than 48 hours away from the automotive extravaganza known as the 81st Geneva Motor Show and automakers are scrambling to get their booths ready for the grand opening on Tuesday. We'll be covering all the news from the press days of course, but thanks to a Carscoop reader, we can now give you an exclusive look at the cars being loaded off the trucks in front of the Palexpo Center in Geneva as well as a sneak peak at some of the automakers stands inside. Check out the gallery right after the break.

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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Lancia Could Sell the Ypsilon and Delta in the U.S., Has No Plans to Revive HF Integrale or Fulvia


When announcing the new Ypsilon’s key role in Lancia’s turnaround strategy at a press event Carscoop attended in Turin, Italy, earlier this week, company officials told us that the small car could be sold in the States under the Chrysler brand if American buyers will show enough interest towards the recently launched U.S.-spec Fiat 500. Furthermore, the same could happen with the Delta.

On the other hand, Lancia's people told us the company has no plans to revive famous nameplates such as the HF Integrale and Fulvia, simply stating that there’s no market for Lancia sports cars.

Although in its current state, the new Ypsilon doesn’t comply with U.S. standards, Lancia Product Manager Claudio Nervi told us that it could be “easily federalized” and that logistically “it's not a problem, as the Ypsilon could be produced at the [Fiat Group’s] Mexican plant”. However, Nervi also pointed out the decision depends “on the performance of the Fiat 500 in the US”.

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MTM Geneva Show Display Includes Fastest Audi R8 with 777HP and TT RS with 472HP


Among the many tuning firms making their way to the Geneva Motor Show is VW Group specialist MTM. The German company will display two heavily modified Audi models, based on the R8 V10 and the TT RS. The most impressive proposal is the one-off MTM R8 Biturbo that comes with a polished chrome body that took over 700 working hours to complete. A large fixed spoiler at the back along with 20-inch forged rims and carbon fiber parts round off the exterior changes.

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Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4: Live Shots from Geneva


There's no doubt that the new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is the worst kept secret of the 81st Geneva International Motor Show. In addition to a bevy of studio shots that were leaked online in the past few days, we now have live shots of the Murcielago's replacement from Geneva, courtesy of the folks over at Autogespot.

"We have just received from a friend a few exclusive photos of the new LP700-4. It is the Grigio Estoque colorded Aventador that will be shown on the press day on the 1st of March," Emil from Autogespot told us. And well, there you have it: the new Aventador. We'll have all the juicy details in a couple of days when Lamborghini officially debuts its new flagship model at the Geneva show, but scroll down for the condensed version.

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Friday, February 25, 2011

Hseih’s Aerius: The Hypercar Goes Green in a Fictional 2025


Imagine it’s the year 2025. The Bugatti Veyron is an overpriced collector’s item outlawed on U.S. streets as it doesn’t meet the nation’s recently introduced (and some say draconian) emission laws. Dozens of tired Corvette Z06’s prowl America’s heartland, their engines in need of servicing and their paint peeling, their hick driver’s desperately avoiding the iron fist of the DoT. E85 costs US$9.00 a gallon and hydrogen is relegated to interstate trucks and some high priced luxury cars.

Into this Mad Maxian world comes the Aerius: a high performance EV with electric motors in the wheel hubs, carbon nanotube super-capacitors for energy storage and solar panels to recharge them on the go. With organic, jet fighter-like styling and the green cred disenchanted motoring enthusiasts have longed for, the Aerius is sure to be 2025’s Car of the Year...

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New Lancia Ypsilon Given a Key Role in the Italian Brand’s Revitalization Plan


The upcoming 2011 Geneva Salon will probably be the most important motor show in Lancia’s recent history, as the Italian brand is trying to start off its revitalization plan with a push of new models. However, the recently unveiled Flavia and Thema sedans and Grand Voyager MPV didn’t quite catch the public’s eye due to the fact that they’re all rebadged Chryslers, while the Delta hatchback hasn't even come close in repeating the first generation model's success.

This leaves the new Ypsilon to fend for the 105-year old company’s honor. The Italian firm's new small car is considered to be a “pocket flagship” and has been given a key role in Lancia's turnaround strategy, thoroughly emphasized during a press event that Carscoop was invited to attend at the Fiat Group’s Centro Stile design center in Turin, Italy.

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Volvo to Build New Car Plant in China, Aims to Sell 200,000 Vehicles in the Chinese Market by 2015


At a press conference held earlier today in Beijing, Chinese-owned Volvo Cars announced plans to build a new plant in the city of Chengdu and continuing investigations for a second factory in Daqing, in north-eastern China. Volvo said that the deal is still pending approval from the Chinese government.

"We regard the Chinese market as the second home market for Volvo Car Corporation and a very important part of the plan to build a successful future for the company," said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The Chengdu assembly plant will only build Volvo cars and have an initial output of around 100,000 cars annually, with production estimated to start during 2013. Volvo said that the decision to expand in China will not affect operations and employment in Europe.

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Ferrari to Show Greener 458 Italia with HELE System in Geneva


The new Ferrari FF won't be the only model from Maranello to make its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Salon, as Carscoop has learned that the Italian supercar maker will also introduce a greener version of the 458 Italia equipped with the company’s HELE (High Emotion, Low Emission) technology, which improves CO2 emissions and reduces fuel consumption.

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LAST CHANCE: Inside Track Canadian Racers Contingency Program Ad Submissions

Attention Racers,

This is your LAST CHANCE to submit your form and photo for the Inside Track Canadian Racers Contingency Program. These ads are going to appear in the next issue of Inside Track. We have already collected a bunch and we're closing off submissions at the start of next week.

If you:

A) Ran an Inside Track decal in 2010...
B) Subscribe to Inside Track, and...
C) Finished in the Top 20 in points at your track or in your series...

... then you're eligible for a free 'Thank Your Sponsor(s)' ad in Inside Track Motorsport News.

If you qualify, then go to www.insidetracknews.com/contingency ... download the PDF or Word version of the submission form ... fill it out and get it into us (Fax: 416-962-7208 or email: contingency@insidetracknews.com). Please send along a high-res JPG, too.

Have a great weekend! ... and get your form and photo into us ASAP!

Greg.

Volvo's Iconic P1800 Turns 50 This Year


Even if you are not a specialist in classic cars, you know you have seen this one before. And you're right, its fame came from being Roger Moore's ride in the TV series “The Saint”. In fact, the man who played Simon Templar liked the car so much that he bought one for himself.

Revealed at the 1960 Brussels Motor Show, the unmistakably-shaped Swedish coupe was not the first choice for the part in “The Saint”. The producers first asked Jaguar for the E-Type, but the British refused, arguing that the car didn't need more publicity. Volvo said yes and so the P1800 became known worldwide.

Production started in 1961 and almost 46,000 units of the model were made in various versions until production ended in 1973.

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AND JORGE MAKES FOUR -- STAR MAZDA'S 'BUMPER CROP' OF INDY LIGHTS DRIVERS


When, like the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, you have a 21-year history of producing top young racing drivers, every year has its triumphs… but occasionally circumstances come together and produce a 'bumper crop' of talent. Such is the case with the Star Mazda class of 2010, whose graduates – with the announcement that Venezuelan racer Jorge Goncalvez will join Anders Krohn at Belardi Auto Racing -- now include four confirmed Firestone Indy Lights drivers for the 2011 season. Others include 2010 Star Mazda Champion Conor Daly, and Canadian racer David Ostella.

Goncalvez, a 19 year-old from Los Teques, Venezuela, finished 4th in the 2010 Star Mazda Championship in 2010, scoring five second-place finishes and 10 Top-10s. Goncalvez will drive Belardi Auto Racing's No. 4 car entry, partnering fellow Star Mazda graduate Anders Krohn, who has previously been announced as the driver of the team's No. 9 entry. Krohn finished 2nd in the championship with a record of one pole, six podium finishes and finishing in the top-5 at every race.
"I am very pleased to have this opportunity to move up to Firestone Indy Lights," Goncalvez said. "I know this will be a big challenge for me, but I am confident that with the support of the talented crew around me that I will do my countrymen proud. I'm really looking forward to the season and to working with all the guys at Belardi and to being a part of the Firestone Indy Lights Series…to compete with so many great drivers at such incredible venues."

Goncalvez enters the 2011 Indy Lights series with Belardi Autosport having raced internationally since 2006. Following multiple karting national championship titles in his native Venezuela, the talented racer made his car racing debut in the Renault French 1600cc in the Pan-Am GP Series. He advanced to the French Formula Renault Series one year later. Goncalvez made his North American racing debut in 2008, finishing seventh in the Formula BMW Americas title chase. Advancing up to the Star Mazda Championship the following season, the teenager finished 9th in his rookie campaign, before challenging for the series' title last season.

Goncalvez is known for a fierce little chicken painted on the back of his helmet with the words, "El Pollito" - his nickname, which translates from Spanish to be "Little Chicken." It certainly has nothing to do with his courage on the track, as Goncalvez's father is the "Big Chicken" in Venezuela, the owner of one of the country's largest poultry operations.

Krohn is a true product of the Mazda Road to Indy ladder series. Arriving in this country as an unknown, he won the F2000 Championship series in 2008 with Andersen Racing, was offered an opportunity in Star Mazda for 2009 with Mundill and reunited with Andersen Racing in Star Mazda for 2010 finishing a solid second in the Championship points. Krohn will now take another step up the ladder. “I am now just one step away from the IZOD IndyCar Series.
Moving up the Mazda Road to Indy ladder has been such a great experience,” said Krohn. “It's a ladder that has already benefited quite a few, and in the future it will be essential in continuing to feed the very best drivers into what I think is the best racing series in the world. IndyCar and all the sanctioning bodies and sponsors on the ladder, like Mazda and Firestone have done a tremendous job with supporting their up and coming talents, and I am so proud not only to be part of Belardi Auto Racing, but also to be one of the future faces of IndyCar.
2010 Star Mazda champion Conor Daly, who scored seven wins, twelve podiums, nine poles and seven fastest laps, will divide his time between Europe and North America, racing a full season of GP3 with British team Carlin and non-conflicting road-course dates in the Firestone Indy Lights Championship with Sam Schmidt Motorsports.
"I'm extremely pleased to have all the plans worked out for 2011," says Daly. "It's taken a lot of work and I'm extremely thankful to everyone at Mazda who spent a great deal of time making sure my program was in order. It really shows how dedicated Mazda is to their ladder drivers. With the significant changes to the ladder system in 2010, Mazda still stayed devoted to supporting their champions. I'm honored to have the support of Mazda for the 2011 season and beyond."
David Ostella is a 19 year-old Canadian driver moving up to Indy Lights with Canadian race team Jensen Motorsport, a team with a long history in North American open-wheel racing. Ostella competed in the Star Mazda Championship during the 2009 and 2010 seasons; in 2010, racing the #16 AIM Autosport / GP Global Precast Mazda, he scored two top-5 and seven top-10 finishes.
“David Ostella is a very fast and marketable race-car driver,” Jensen said. “Our team has recently signed renowned race engineer Remi Lanteigne to quarterback our technical program, so, together with David, we are enthusiastic about our new initiative.”
Both graduates and the 2011 crop of drivers in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear will return to action on March 16, when official series testing will take place at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, as part of the INDYCAR Spring Training program. Both the 2011 Star Mazda Championship and Firestone Indy Lights seasons get underway on March 27, with Round One on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla.

About Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear
For 2011, the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear will be a major part of the Mazda Road to Indy and will feature a 10-weekend, 11-race schedule, all on major race weekends and most with IndyCar. Two weekends are with the American Le Mans series, and one is a double-header with Indy Lights. Rising stars from around the world will be watched by more than a million fans as they compete for prizes valued at $1.5 million, including a scholarship to move up and race in the 2012 Firestone Indy Lights series. Drivers 16 and older are welcome to compete and the Star Mazda Championship also features the Expert Series for drivers 30 and older. The Star Mazda Championship features standing starts, wheel-to-wheel racing at 160 mph and budgets a fraction of other top open-wheel ladder series. For more information on the Star Mazda Championship please visit http://www.starmazda.com/.
For more information on the Star Mazda Championship and its drivers, as well as the Mazda Motorsports ladder system, please visit http://www.starmazda.com/ and http://www.mazdausa.com/

VIDEO: Opel Touts Zafira Tourer Concept's "Lounge Ambience"


These are the first videos of Opel's new Zafira Tourer Concept, which will receive its grand premiere at next week's 2011 Geneva Salon. The first clip focuses on the relaxing "lounge atmosphere" found within the interior of the minivan, something that Opel highlighted more than anything else in the car's press release, while the second video showcases the new Flex7 seating concept. Hit the break to watch both clips for yourself.

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Maybach 57 S Coupe by Xenatec to Debut in Geneva...but not at the Show


German coachbuilder Xenatec will bring the new Maybach 57 S-based coupe to Geneva for the car's first public appearance. Strangely enough, the place chosen for the reveal will not be the Geneva motor show at the Palexpo center, but a specially built pavilion in the gardens of “La Reserve” hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva. The company's decision might have something to do with Maybach being present at the show, but this has not been confirmed.

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KENNINGTON FINISHES TOP-TEN AT PHOENIX



February 25, 2011. Reigning NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion DJ Kennington was back racing this past Thursday night at Phoenix International Raceway. Following an incredible second place finish in the NASCAR All Star Showdown at Irwindale, California Kennington picked up another ride with Bill McAnally Racing for the K & N Pro Series event at Phoenix International Raceway and gained thirteen positions during the race to score a top-ten finish.


Action began with Kennington behind the wheel of the #12 Northern Provincial Pipelines/Castrol Edge car for practice and finding the speed they wanted was a struggle. Kennington would qualify with the 23rd fastest time for the 100 lap feature event.


As the race began DJ used the initial laps to assess the handling and feel of the #12 NPP/Castrol Edge machine and with a caution period even before lap 20 he chose to bring his car to pit road for service. “We wanted make a stop early and do any adjustments then and hopefully be in a good position with track position for the end of the race” said Kennington.


When the racing resumed Kennington did push the #12 NPP/Castrol Edge car forward into the top-ten and ran as high as fourth position. “It felt good to run up front” said the driver. “But it wasn’t even half way yet and there was plenty of action going on” he added.


As the race progressed the handling of his #12 NPP/Castrol Edge ride began to go away and Kennington was forced to pit again during another caution period. “That pit stop put us back in the field and our strategy was to try and go hard and get what we could in the remaining laps” he explained.


When racing resumed Kennington charged forward and when the checkered flag waved the #12 NPP/Castrol Edge car claimed a tenth place finish. “I think we did really well after not having a great qualifying spot” said Kennington. “I have to thank Dwight Kennedy and Northern Provincial Pipelines and of course Bill McAnally Racing for this opportunity, hopefully we can do it again soon”.


Of Note: The pre season edition of the 2011 Hunter Index Rankings, a monthly power poll that highlights the top development series drivers, was released on Thursday February 24th and DJ Kennington placed fourth on the basis his 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship along with his strong second place showing at the NASCAR All Star Showdown at Irwindale, California.


Race fans are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest team news in several ways. Race fans should bookmark the team website www.djkracing.ca and follow them on twitter, www.twitter.com/djkracing Fans are also suggested to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.


Photo: The #12 Northern Provincial Pipelines/Castrol Edge Car in action at PIR.


Photo Credit: Getty Images for NASCAR




Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Photo Leak Part XLVIII


We've seen more leaks on the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 than on a rusty pipe of late, so we're hardly surprised that a new set of images surfaced online today. The three fresh pictures show the Raging Bull's engine bay with the brand-new 700-horsepower 6.5-liter V12 unit, the supercar's interior and the sculptured fuel cap. Unless someone spills the beans later today or during the weekend, you'll have to wait until Monday for the full reveal at the Geneva Motor Show.

Read more »

Ferrari CEO Made €8.7 Million in 2010 or Twice as Much as Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne


It's no secret that top car executives make big money, but the situation at the
Fiat Group is particularly interesting. How else could one describe the fact that in 2010, Ferrari's chairman, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, was paid more than twice the amount of money than the CEO of the entire Fiat Group, Sergio Marchionne? Read more »