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Porsche

Porsche 918 Spyder claims Nürburgring lap record

Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package

Last week Porsche took a pair of production-spec 918 Spyders to the Nürburgring and created history. The 887hp/652kW petrol electric hybrid has just been officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show and Porsche used the occassion to announce the 918’s Nordschleife lap time.

Factory racing driver Marc Lieb was at the wheel of a 918 Spyder ‘Weissach Package’ for the record time and lapped the Ring in 6 minutes 57 seconds. Proving the record was no fluke fellow Porsche drivers Timo Kluck and the legendary Walter Röhrl also lapped in less than 7 minutes.

Previously, a prototype 918 had lapped the Ring in 7 minutes 14 seconds. The new mark is, according to Porsche, the fastest time ever for a production-based car homologated for road use.

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Motor Shows Porsche

Frankfurt 2013: Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche 918 Spyder

At last the wraps have come off the production version of the Porsche 918 Spyder. The petrol electric hybrid sportscar has had a long gestation, first gracing the floor of the Geneva Motor Show in early 2010. It then trasnformed into the 918 RSR for the Detroit Auto Show in 2011, with the order book for the 918 Spyder officially opening in March of that year.

And now, at last, the real deal is here. In all of its 652kW glory. It tips the scales at 1634kg and with a 7-speed PDK and will see off 100km/h in 2.8 seconds. The double ton is gone in 7.7 seconds and the triple in 22 flat. Its top speed is 345km/h. Oh yes, it’s mighty quick!

It rides on specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, 265/35/20 at the front and 325/30/21 at the back. A special ‘Weissach’ package will shed 35kg from the car and can be optioned in a number of race-inspired liveries.

Built around a CFRP monocoque, power for the 918 comes from a mid-mounted 4.6 litre V8 which sends 447kW to the rear wheels. A pair of electric motors completes the deal and sends 210kW to the front axle, which is decoupled at speeds in excess of 235km/h.

It’s very fruity and very frugal as well. The rated fuel consumption is as low as 3.0l/100km and less than 80g/km of exhaust emissions escape from the high-mount exhaust pipes.

Of course, we can’t end this precis without reminding you the 918 Spyder can lap the Nürburgring in 7 minutes 14 seconds.

UPDATE: Porsche has just confirmed, or at least claimed, the 918 Spyder has become the first production-based road car to break the 7 minute barrier at the Nürburgring. The lap time claimed is 6:57 and was set last week. We’ll bring you more detail regarding this new record soon.

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Ferrari Formula 1 Lotus

Raikkonen getting closer to Ferrari return

Kimi Raikkonen

Kimi Raikkonen has revealed he expects to confirm his future employment plans in the next few days. And word from the paddock at Monza is he will be moving to Ferrari in 2014.

His current boss, Eric Boullier, says it’s all up to Kimi. “The decision rests more with him because he has an offer from us,” he said. “We know he has a couple of things we have to supply and deal with to close the discussion.

“But now Kimi is in a position where he is being chased by most of the paddock and he will decide. He knows what he gets with us, but he doesn’t know what he will get if he changes teams.”

Over at the Red team they’re playing their cards close to their chest. “This is something we want to take at the appropriate time, to make sure that we take the best decision for our team,” Domenicali said when responding to questions about Ferrari’s 2014 driver line up.

“I think the fact that we have not decided yet means we have to put all the elements on the table. We will announce and say something on that as soon as we have finalised it. It is not an easy decision for us.”

What Fernando Alonso will make of having Kimi as a teammate is anyone’s guess. We can’t see the 33-year-old Finn being as compliant as Felipe Massa, or even Nico Hulkenberg, who has also been linked with the Scuderia. Looks like we won’t have long to find out.

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Lotus F1 Team/LAT Photographic]

 

Categories
Chevrolet

I love the sound of V8s in the morning!

Chevrolet Camaro Z28

It’s true we don’t always give a lot of focus to American cars on AUSmotive. It’s also true that there’s not many better sounds in the automotive world than a kick arse V8 at full noise. So when you have not one, but two of Amercia’s finest treading the tarmac theatre of the Nürburgring we figure it’s a mighty fine way to start the week!

The cars in question are the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and the Corvette C7 aka the Stingray. And, yep, both sound pretty good.

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Ferrari Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

2013 Italian GP: Post-race press conference

2013 Italian Grand Prix

Last night’s podium interviews were a bit of a farce. Jean Alesi, so admirable as a gritty underdog racer during his time in Formula 1, was little more than a Ferrari mouthpiece after Sebastian Vettel’s win at Monza. But it’s Italy and the tifosi needs to be catered to, so fair enough perhaps.

For Mark Webber, the weekend delivered his best qualifying result and best finishing result in 12 visits to the temple of speed. And while he says he likes Monza he’s done little to placate the rabid fans, telling Channel Ten in an interview he’d rather have a Porsche in the driveway than a Ferrari. He was also outspoken in his defence of teammate Sebastian Vettel who was roundly booed for not being a Ferrari driver.

“[I’m] very happy to be on the podium here at Monza,” said Mark. “It’s one of the most famous ones in the world, up there with Monte Carlo and a few other signature events but yeah, brilliant to experience that, even though the atmosphere I was not completely a fan of, to be honest. Sebastian won the race and the atmosphere is not completely correct but anyway… that’s their choice.”

Daniel Ricciardo, in his first race after being confirmed as Webber’s replacement at Red Bull next year still has his mind on the job of achieving better results for his current employer Toro Rosso.

“In recent races where we have managed to qualify in the top ten, we didn’t have the pace to stay there in the race, but today we did,” said Daniel. “I think I got the most out of the car, managing to keep the guys behind me and the low downforce set-up certainly helped us down the straights. We must keep pushing hard on the car development for the next few races, because hopefully, a top five finish is not too far away.”

The full transcript of the post-race press conference featuring the first three drivers can be read after the break.

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Ferrari Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Sebastian Vettel wins 2013 Italian GP

Sebastian Vettel wins 2013 Italian GP

Sebastian Vettel took an easy win for Red Bull in tonight’s Italian Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso couldn’t bring a home win for Ferrari but did the next best thing by finishing second. While Mark Webber departs his final European-based F1 race from the third step on the podium.

Both Red Bull drivers got off the front row of the grid well and for a moment it looked like Webber might challenge Vettel for the lead into the first corner. But while the Red Bulls ahead scrapped the Ferraris pounced and Felipe Massa took third place while Alonso was on Webber’s tail.

Alonso eventually got past Webber with a typically courageous move and Massa was soon brushed aside. The race then settled into an otherwise lifeless rhythm.

Webber got past Massa in the pit stop sequence and with the preferred strategy being a one stopper that was pretty much it as far as seeing any excitement at the head of the field.

There were some concerns from the Red Bull pit wall with both drivers asked to short shift to look after their gearboxes and the field did close up towards the end, but there were no serious threats to Vettel or the two men behind him.

Felipe Massa held on to fourth place and Nico Hulkenberg and Sauber will be overjoyed with his fifth place. Nico Rosberg salvaged some pride for Mercedes AMG in sixth and Daniel Ricciardo was seventh and the sole Toro Rosso finisher after Jean-Eric Vergne suffered engine problems.

So, another easy win for Vettel. He joins Alonso on 32 grand prix wins and looks to be on an unstoppable charge to his fourth world championship.

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

2013 Italian GP: Qualifying report

2013 Intalian Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel (1:23.755) claimed his 40th pole position in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix last night. His Red Bull teammate, Mark Webber, was two tenths behind (1:23.968). While a surprise result from Nico Hulkenberg (1:24.065) in the Ferrari powered Sauber rounded out the top three.

Aside from the flying Red Bulls, it was a mixed session. Both McLarens and both Toro Rossos made the top 10, while both Lotus drivers didn’t make the cut and nor did Lewis Hamilton (1:24.803, Mercedes) who will start from a relatively lowly P12.

Hamilton was impeded by Adrian Sutil (Force India) who was handed a three-spot grid penalty, but afterwards Lewis admitted he didn’t think he had the pace to challenge the lead pair.

Daniel Ricciardo (1:24.209, Toro Rosso) might have hoped for more than P7 as he spent much of the first two sessions hovering around the top three. At least he didn’t run wide into the gravel exiting the Parabolica like teammate Jean-Eric Vergne (1:28.050), who will start from P10.

“We missed a little something in Q3, doing a two lap run, and with hindsight, maybe a one lap run with a lighter fuel load would have been better,” said Daniel. “But I am still happy with seventh. I dropped a wheel in the gravel at the second chicane which might have cost me some time. To have both cars in the top ten on merit on a dry track is a very good result.”

Ferrari sent out both cars close together in Q3. Felipe Massa went first, with Fernando Alonso behind. The aim was to provide a slip stream for Alonso, however Massa was too quick and the plan didn’t work. Massa (1:24.132) ended qualifying in P4, marginally ahead of Alonso (1:24.142) in P5.

One rumour doing the rounds is that Hulkenberg could replace Massa at Ferrari next season. It would seem that Felipe may be taking an every man for himself approach as he sets sights on finding a new employer.

The full transcript from the post-quali press conference can be read after the break.

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1

Watch Paul di Resta heat his tyres up

Paul di Resta, Force India, 2013 Italian GP

Viewers of the 2013 Italian GP may have noticed a new thermal imaging camera being used to show the fluctuating heat of tyres around a lap of the famous Monza circuit. It’s a high speed track with heavy load through corners such as the Lesmos and the Parabolica.

After the break you can see the camera in action on Paul di Resta’s car (for now).

[Thanks to Dylan for the tip]

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Categories
Ferrari Video

Australia, it’s time to vote: F40 or F50?

Ferrari F40 v Ferrari F50

On a day where our Australian readers are heading to the polls to kick out one dimwit for another, it’s our duty to brighten this otherwise most depressing of days. Here’s a choice you won’t dread making and when your vote has been cast you won’t regret it for the next three years, regardless of what you choose.

In truth, of course, we have Chris Harris to thank.

Firstly, his reputation presented him with an opportunity to drive two of Ferrari’s best ever cars, the insanely epic F40 and the improving with age F50.

Secondly, because when he does drive these two icons you are left in no doubt as to how much fun he is having. I’d like to be jealous, but I know I wouldn’t be able to do the justice to this comparison that he has done. Normally, Harris’ strength as a reviewer is to explain the detail about what he is experiencing. Here, though, it’s just kid in a candy store stuff and it is sensational.

He does take the time to delve into the past a little, and we’re ever thankful for that. So, without further ado, here’s Chris’ intro before you watch 20 of the most entertaining minutes of car video you could ever wish to see:

Here goes. Two of the greatest Ferraris thrashed as intended. This was one of the best days of my life.

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Categories
Formula 1

Here’s your first look at the 2014 F1 calendar

2013 Australian Grand Prix

The Australian Grand Prix on March 16 next year is expected to be the start date for the 2014 Formula 1 season according to a draft calendar revealed yesterday.

It’s shaping as being the biggest F1 season ever with 21 races including the addition of grands prix in Austria, Mexico and Russia. Notably, there’s no slot for the New Jersey Grand Prix.

We won’t be at all surprised if this calendar changes, either. There’s previously been talk of capping the season at 20 races and also concerns over the viability of the Russian event.

Whatever happens with the 2014 calendar, there’s already pressure on the 2015 schedule with the promised return of the Indian Grand Prix.

2014 F1 calendar (draft)

RoundDateGrand Prix
1March 16AUSTRALIA (Melbourne)
2March 23MALAYSIA (Sepang)
3April 6CHINA (Shanghai)
4April 13KOREA* (Korea International Circuit)
5April 27BAHRAIN (Sakhir)
6May 11SPAIN (Barcelona)
7May 25MONACO (Monaco)
8June 8CANADA (Montreal)
9June 22AUSTRIA (Red Bull Ring)
10July 6BRITAIN (Silverstone)
11July 20GERMANY (Hockenheim)
12July 27HUNGARY (Budapest)
13August 24BELGIUM (Spa)
14September 7ITALY (Monza)
15September 21SINGAPORE (Marina Bay)
16October 5JAPAN (Suzuka)
17October 19RUSSIA* (Sochi)
18October 26ABU DHABI (Yas Marina)
19November 9MEXICO* (Mexico City)
20November 16USA (Austin)
21November 30BRAZIL (Interlagos)
As at September 7, 2013.*subject to confirmation of track/contract

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

Ricciardo says “I’ll be right” against Vettel

Daniel Ricciardo

Speaking at the FIA’s Thursday press conference ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, new Red Bull signing Daniel Ricciardo responded to a suggestion that he could use Mick Dundee’s knife to help his relationship with Sebastian Vettel by saying, “I’ll be right.”

Red Bull’s other Australian, Mark Webber, has faith in Daniel too. “Daniel will handle it fine. He knows how to handle himself so he’ll be OK,” said Mark.

As you might expect Daniel was the focus of several questions during the press conference and after the break we’ve got all the comments relating to the 24-year-old Aussie.

[Pic: Toro Ross/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Please don’t boo Sebastian, he doesn’t like it

2013 British Grand Prix

As you can imagine when you’re a triple world champion, on track to make it four, your opinion is in high demand. Here’s a couple of snippets from recent interviews carried out with Sebastian Vettel, pictured above after retiring from the British GP.

From the Daily Mail: When he retired from this year’s British Grand Prix he was shamefully booed by a number of the crowd. Why? He is German and old enmities die hard. He is so successful he breeds resentment for no better reason. Does it hurt him?

‘It’s normal,’ he says, smiling, the afternoon after he cruised to victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. ‘I am very happy. I obviously would not swap with anybody.

‘There are situations or stories where you want to tell people the truth as you see it. You learn to deal with the fact some think what they want. If it reaches the point where it takes your attention away from your racing then it has got in the way.’

Has that ever happened? ‘No.’ But was the reaction at Silverstone surprising? ‘Yes. I didn’t understand it. I had not done anything to make them do it. I went up on to the stage later for the post-race concert and got booed again. I took my camera out and said, ‘If you are going to boo me at least do it properly. I tried to make a laugh out of it.

‘But you don’t like it when people boo. Obviously in the British Grand Prix if I am leading and they want a British driver to win they might not like it, which is fair, but booing, I don’t think that is fair. If one starts booing, others join in. I don’t think they were all wanting to boo per se; it was a chain reaction, so you shouldn’t get too upset by that.’

From PlanetF1: Asked how he expects his new Australian team-mate to perform, Vettel told reporters at Monza: “It’s difficult to say because at the moment he’s not in a car which allows him to score points regularly and race in the sort of area that we race.

“But I’m very sure he’s pushing very hard; he has been the last couple of years and I’m sure he will be in particular next year trying to do everything to beat me.

“So in that regard nothing changes, I’ll have another Australian trying to make my life difficult!”

It’s worth reading the Daily Mail article in full, in truth he doesn’t come across too bad. But we’ll still enjoy doing our bit to ensure Sebastian continues in his pantomime villain role next year when “Our Daniel” joins his side.

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]