Archive for September, 2011

Behind the wheel of the Audi Quattro

Time for a look at an old rally legend now, with the Audi Quatrro. It’s a car we’ve featured in our Past Master series and we’re always keen to see new material. This review from the Fifth Gear web team gives a reasonable insight into the car’s history and modern day context. Shame about the [...]

Behind the wheel of the MINI WRC

// Posted in MINI, WRC

Evo magazine journo Henry Catchpole was given a rare opportunity to spend some time behind the wheel of the new MINI WRC. In tarmac spec it sure looks like Catchpole would have had a lot of fun. But as there’s no words after his intro you’ll need to buy the mag to find out.

UK authorities plan motorway speed limit increase

The British Government has plans to increase the speed limit on its motorways from 70mph (113km/h) to 80mph (129km/h). The current 70mph was introduced in 1965 and statistics show the rate of road deaths in Britain have dropped by 75% since then. A survey held earlier this year by the Institute of Advanced Motoring revealed [...]

Ferrari 599XX and historic F1 cars at Spa

Imagine you’re lucky enough to own a Ferrari 599XX. It’s a limited run 599 sent to the extreme, with a worked 6.0 litre V12 producing 540kW (725hp). Only trouble is, being a what is essentially a racecar made for the wealthy, it cannot be driven on public roads. Just as well Ferrari rents out world-class [...]

It’s official: Aston Martin is cool

With models like the Vantage, Virage and even the four-door Rapide, Aston Martin is considered a leader in automotive design. Never mind that the cars are also pretty decent as well. In general, you know an Aston Martin is going to be a beautiful car. Further to this, their boss, Ulrich Bez, races his product [...]

Random wallpaper: Audi Quattro

It’s been a while since we posted up a Random wallpaper, but we thought this shot of an Audi Quattro rally car was too good to pass up. Note the hint of flame from the car’s exhaust. The pic came to us via a press release promoting the UK tour of Top Gear Live, which [...]

VIDEO: An inside look at the Porsche 911

// Posted in Porsche

Porsche brings us new video of the 991 911 from the Frankfurt Motor Show. This time August Achleitner, Manager of the 911 model line, has his say on why he thinks the new 911 is king. There’s also a bit of discussion about the 991′s performance at the Nürburgring; it has cut 13 seconds off [...]

Dodge Viper ACR laps Nürburgring in 7:12.13

// Posted in Dodge

Following news earlier in the month that the Dodge Viper ACR lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a staggering 7 minutes 12.13 seconds we bring you the documentary evidence. GT racer Dominik Farnbacher was at the wheel and posted the time on 14 September 2011. The time is being claimed as a production car record; the [...]

WRC to offer free live streaming from Rally France

// Posted in WRC

This weekend’s Rally France will have live action from selected stages streamed for free on the internet. The footage will be broadcast via the sport’s official WRC.com website and is part of a trial program to gauge future possibilities. A total of 14 hours will be streamed from Friday and Saturday competition. Helping to bring [...]

The ultimate barnyard find?

Those with a keen eye will recognise this barnyard wreck is an iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL coupé; the original ‘Gullwing’. It’s a 1955 model and only the very knowledgeable will pick it as a special alloy-bodied competition special. Just 29 were ever made. Along with its alloy body panels Mercedes made further modifications including the use [...]

2011 Singapore GP: Post-race press conference

In winning the Singapore Grand Prix overnight Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) did something he hasn’t been able to do this year: he led the race from start to finish. He was never troubled and while he has mathematically left the door open for the title to go elsewhere, it is now only Jenson Button (McLaren) [...]

Porsche talks about future motorsport plans

The Manthey Racing 911 GT3 RSR, winner of this year’s Nürburgring 24 hour race, took centre stage at the company’s Frankfurt Motor Show. In this video Porsche discusses the link between its motorsport and road car programs. Also covered are Porsche’s future racing plans, including the return to the LMP1 category at Le Mans and [...]

2011 Singapore GP: Qualifying press conference

Sebastian Vettel claimed his 11th pole position of the year in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix overnight. On track to defend his 2010 world championship the Red Bull charge posted a best time of 1:44.381 around the Marina Bay street circuit. Mark Webber (Red Bull) ensured yet another front-row lockout for the team with [...]

VIDEO: Mercedes C63 AMG Black spied

Pistonspy has come up trumps again with some great footage and pics of the seriously cool Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black. Perhaps the most desirable Black Series yet—in our eyes at least—it’s interesting to see this development car lapping the Nürburgring with a large rear wing. Turns out that wing is part of an AMG Aero [...]