Mazda MX-5 Miyako

Mazda must be very keen to commemorate the 20th birthday of its MX-5. Not satisfied with having just the 20th Anniversary Limited Edition that’s already on sale in the UK, the range is now being joined by the Miyako special edition which, according to Mazda, ‘continues’ to celebrate the occasion.



So what are the differences? Well, the 20th Anniversary Limited Edition is available only as a soft top, powered by the 124 bhp (92 kW / 126 PS) 1.8 litre engine. Costing £17,300 on the road, its specification includes unique finish 17" alloy wheels, front fog lights, a strut brace, individually numbered Limited Edition scuff plates, special floor mats, body-coloured dashboard decoration panel, aluminium pedals, manual air con, leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever. Paint choices are Aurora Blue, True Red and Crystal White Pearlescent.



Similarly, the Miyako special edition also features 17" alloy wheels, front fog lights, a strut brace, and special floor mats. Additionally, though, it gets unique Medici premium perforated black leather trim with a red underlay and stitching, climate control air con and the obligatory special badging.

Unsurprisingly, the extra equipment makes it a bit more expensive than the 20th Anniversary Limited Edition. Mazda is charging £18,385 for the 1.8i Miyako soft top, which comes in either Aluminium Silver Metallic or Velocity Red Mica.



For the first time, a special edition of the MX-5 is also available as a roadster coupe (the one with the folding powered roof). However, that version of the Miyako can only be had with the 157 bhp (117 kW / 160 PS) 2.0 litre engine, and it costs £20,885. Colour choice is restricted to just Aluminium Silver Metallic.



To put those prices into context, a standard 1.8i SE soft top with air con is £17,795, while the 2.0i SE roadster coupe would set you back £20,295. Given that leather trim and metallic paint alone come to £1,115 on the Mazda options list, the £590 premium being charged for the Miyako looks like good value.



The MX-5 Miyako special edition is on sale from the beginning of July, with 500 examples of each version being produced for the UK market. And, in case you were wondering, they are named after the Japanese holiday island of Miyako-jima.

Mini gets mini revamp

Details of the 2011 Mini range have been announced. Visually, the changes aren’t that radical, the main alterations being revised bumpers, LED lights at the rear, five new colours and five new alloy wheel designs.

On the inside the centre console, steering wheel and air conditioning and audio controls have all been modified to improve the quality feel and work better ergonomically. Other changes include new upholstery and fascia trim choices. DAB radio is now standard on all models across the range, except for the entry-level Mini First.



The big news though is under the bonnet. Following the introduction of new petrol engines back in March, it’s now the turn of the diesels. Available as either a Cooper D with 110 bhp (82 kW / 112 PS) or One D with 88 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS), the new diesel engines feature light weight aluminium construction, common rail direct injection and turbochargers with variable turbine geometry.



Amazingly, both the Cooper D Hatch and One D Hatch both achieve 74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km) on the combined cycle, while producing just 99 g/km of CO2. That means they’ll be eligible for the 100% Greener Vehicle Discount, if proposed changes to the London Congestion Charge are approved. Adding to their green credentials is the standard fitment of a diesel particulate filter and oxidation catalyst.



The 110 bhp unit will also feature in the Cooper D Convertible, the first time ever that a Mini soft top has been available with diesel power. Meanwhile, the Clubman line-up will include the One D and Cooper D. However, it’s worth noting that only the Hatch achieves sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions:

Mini	0-62 mph	Top Speed mph	Combined mpg	CO2 g/km
One D Hatch	11.4	115	74.3	99
Cooper D Hatch	9.7	123	74.3	99
One D Clubman	11.8	114	72.4	103
Cooper D Clubman	10.2	123	72.4	103
Cooper D Convertible	10.3	121	70.6	105

The 2011 Mini range will be go on sale this September, which also sees the launch of the new Mini Countryman. Prices have yet to be confirmed.

Kinds XJ Jaguar Cars And Reviews

And somewhere in the crowd lurked a new car. Yes, reader, this glamorous event was nothing more than the motor industry disclosure. Except for the automotive journalists seem to have been abducted and replaced by the Hollywood tinsel.

So now marque think youth, celebrity and fashion is the way forward? Lamborghini, perhaps? Fiat Cheeky? Urban MINI?

Nope. The answer is Jaguar, the Coventry cat, the last refuge of a tie, mustache-sporting, cigar-puffing corporate and executive golf series, which is exclusively for more than 50 and have never heard of Elle Macwhatserface. Jaguar.

Except that Jaguar does not exist anymore, for the car in the middle of last summer party, the new XJ, marking the end of a sharp turnaround by the brand in recent years.

Step begins with the designer Ian Callum's arrival from Aston Martin, followed by a stream, punchy XK sports car, which makes you wonder why the boys peeled out extra bankers to Aston's V8 Vantage.

Then we have a nice XF saloon, with a pulsing red starter button, futuristic silver cylindrical gear selector is emerging from the center console, iPod connectivity funky, cool blue interior lighting and more aggression on the road than the equivalent deployed by Audi or Mercedes.

And now we have the new XJ, being built in Castle Bromwich, snoring on the start line like an old Jaguar, but with poise and more streamlined manner than anything that had brought the previous badge. Three of Germany, may also retreated across the Strait because there has never been a better reason to buy the UK.

Experts agree residues - EurotaxGlass's predicts that after three years of ownership, the new XJ will have a residual value is better than the Audi A8, Mercedes S-class or BMW 7-series, keeping 40 percent of the price.

Jason King, head of market intelligence for EurotaxGlass's, said XJ "is sure to attract a wider and younger audience, building on good work in helping brands Jaguar XF redefine itself and appeal to younger buyers.

We were not surprised to see Jaguar going head to head Mercedes S-class, traditionally the industry leader to defend these values. The XJ offers the interior, equipment and overall quality level that is more familiar to buyers of models offered by other major British luxury car brands such as Bentley and Aston Martin. "

Ah, the interior design. No one doubts it: while from the outside some people might argue that the XJ looks just like a stretch XF (actually much more slender and more sharply, with the silhouette coupé aggressive), in digging yourself into the lap of luxury that sets these cars other than from not only IF but also Teutonic rivals.

This may not feel quite so large as Germany, but far more stylish and attractive. Jaguar insists "the XJ cars are the perfect option for any president and chief executive of the British boardroom".

Please. This car is too elegant for entrepreneurs; let them find their stock in the back of a 7-series or A8. The XJ deserve an appreciative audience, a passenger who will stroke the shiny wood and cold metal fillet, and slide gracefully along the cream wrapped in leather chairs.

Base trim level, called the Luxury, gives you footwell lighting, door puddle lamps, American walnut veneer, dressed in soft leather seats and chrome circular air vents.

Stepping into the portfolio pruning and walnuts into ebony, with beautiful wood and chrome trays that fold out from the back of the front seats for laptops and executive papers - there is even a pen slot on your Montblanc tray.

Above specifications, Supersport, offering oak or, if you lose your marbles, jaw-droppingly awful choice of all black leather interior (including the roof lining and door linings doubt dotted) and the glove box and storage center lined box-purple stimulate migraine feels.

Why did you choose for your trip punk when Jaguar went to such efforts to create a sublime art-deco interior of the timber and out of my skin. Maybe for Americans.

German executives have a tricks barge their arms, but they are also fantastic to drive, as long as your idea is a fantastic hour spent eating smooth kilometer transcontinental highway. The XJ does not disappoint here, either.

This will be offered with a choice of three-liter V6 diesel or five-liter gasoline engine, with a long wheelbase option for an additional legroom (accounting for 30 per cent of UK sales).

We tested the diesel version (85 per cent of UK sales), which is the engine we know from our long-term S. XF Diesel It 's almost silent on the XJ, thanks to excessive soundproofing, and provides a lot of torque to all UK road conditions.

Press the dynamic and electronic screen in front of you go red, while you tighten the seat belt and six-speed automatic transmission with a quick drop of a few gears.

It's fun, but not required: in the comfort mode the steel coil good works convey the condition of the road while the rear air suspension kept dreaming things, like the old Jags.

Steering is fine precision instruments, and there is very little to argue with the driver's point of view. One caveat to Emptor, however: check back satnav system, in our cars, playing until the end.

Oh, and the blind, where information systems are still not functioning properly. Surrender, Jaguar.

Smart Satnavs side, XJ is a remarkable step change from his predecessor. It's more powerful, economical, much more dynamic style of driving.

We really struggle to find a bad word Jaguar today, given the average age of staff is 39 Telegraph Motoring, the work done to Coventry cat.

Two Video: Sebring 2010: BMW's Dirk Mϋller talks about hour 1

The last 24 hours have been tough for Dirk Mϋller,a single of a drivers of a BMW M3 GT2 in a American Le Mans Series. After environment a fastest GT2 time in subordinate upon Friday for today’s twelve Hours of Sebring, his time was disallowed since of an emanate with his automobile during tech inspection. That meant a #90 automobile was pushed down to a 13th mark upon a GT2 grid.

Chevrolet Corvette C7 To Utilise GM's Global Design Strength

GM is about to try something new: making Chevrolet's Corvette appeal to international markets. The General is soliciting designs from all ten of its styling studios, meaning that more than just American-market brains are weighing in.

Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design, said that Chevrolet will draw from the General's global talent pool in designing the new Corvette.

Welburn said that the global approach to the new Corvette - a Chevrolet icon traditionally designed entirely in the US - will give the sports car an international flavour and a stronger appeal for younger buyers both at home and in the European market.
more detail. ...

2010 SEBRING 12 HOURS - QUALIFYING

The drivers named to start Saturday’s 12 Hours of Sebring – the world’s longest race after the Le Mans 24 Hours – are Austria’s Alexander Wurz in the N°07 car (followed by Briton Anthony Davidson, then Marc Gené) and Frenchman Sébastien Bourdais in the N°08 908 HDi FAP (followed by Portugal’s Pedro Lamy and France’s Nicolas Minassian). The field will be flagged away at 10:30am local time (3:30pm CET).

For the third year running, Team Peugeot Total has chosen to begin its preparations for the Le Mans 24 Hours in Florida. This time round, the two Peugeot 908 HDi FAPs having been lapping at Sebring since Saturday March 13 and will remain at the circuit until Tuesday March 23.

The real action is in the GT2 class.........BMW took pole but failed the subsequent technical inspection, promoting The Flying Lizard Porsche to the front.
via:autoblog



Press Release

PEUGEOT ON POLE: GENE LEADS
FRONT-ROW SEBRING SWEEP
Class pole positions Franchitti, Jeannette, Muller and Keen

Marc Gene's first trip to Sebring International Raceway has been a productive one already. The Spanish star qualified on pole position for the 58th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida with a lap of 1:45.214 (126.599 mph) for Team Peugeot Total, beating out teammate Nic Minassian by 0.627 seconds.

The two diesel-powered factory Peugeot 908 HDI FAPs will start from the front row for the opening round of the 2010 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón. A victory in Saturday will mean the French manufacturer holds current championships in all three of the world's endurance classics.

Gene will drive with fellow reigning Le Mans 24 Hours winner Alexander Wurz and Anthony Davidson. Only Davidson has competed in the 12 Hours while the trio of Minassian, Sebastien Bourdais and Pedro Lamy in the sister car have 18 starts between them.

"I was very worried before coming here because I had heard so much about it," Gene said. "There were the bumps, the fast curves. I tried to play it on video games but I had to play it so much! Then I moved on to videos and Nic helped me a lot. If it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't have won pole position."

The two Peugeots have been utterly dominant this week with the two fastest times in each session. That continued Friday with the 908s locking fellow LMP1 competitors Aston Martin Racing and Drayson Racing out of the front row.

Stefan Mücke qualified third for Aston Martin with a lap of 1:46.079 (125.567 mph). He is driving the Lola B09/60-Aston Martin with Adrian Fernandez and Harold Primat.

Such gaps aren't lulling the Lions to sleep, however. As Gene can attest – even in his limited experience here – Sebring can bite back in a hard way.

"We have lost speed on the straight due to the rules. For sure the Aston Martin will be very tough," he said. "There are a couple of very dangerous corners," he said. "There are no corners like 1 and 17 in Europe. I just came from Bahrain and some of the F1 drivers there would come here and (pull their hair out)."

Marino Franchitti won his second career Sebring LMP2 pole for Patrón Highcroft Racing and Honda Performance Development. The popular Scot qualified the Patrón Highcroft HPD ARX-01c with a time of 1:47.684 (123.695 mph). He will drive with 2009 Series LMP1 champion – and reigning Le Mans overall winner – David Brabham and Simon Pagenaud.

You could throw a net over the three fastest drivers in class. Franchitti was only 0.054 seconds better than Klaus Graf in the Muscle Milk Team CytoSport Porsche RS Spyder; he will drive with team owner Greg Pickett and Sascha Maassen.

Guy Smith qualified Dyson Racing's isobutanol-powered Lola B09/86-Mazda at 1:47.882 (123.468 mph). He will team with Chris Dyson and Andy Meyrick.

"It was certainly very close but we thought our competition didn't show everything they had before qualifying," said Franchitti, who also claimed the LMP2 pole at Sebring in 2004. "We didn't have the best setup but it was good enough. I obviously have two talented and terrific teammates in David and Simon. We have a new big sponsor in GE and it's great to welcome them with a pole. Hopefully we can do that with a win tomorrow."

The Patrón Highcroft entry is an updated version of the ARX-01 lineup that debuted during the 2007 season. Franchitti drove the 01a model for Andretti Green Racing that year and loves the updates the car has received since then.

"There are certainly significant changes that were in the pipeline that didn't come online when I was with Andretti Green," he said. "It was nice for me to get back into a car I know and have everything be better. It's been great. The Highcroft guys have won a lot of races but this is the one race that's eluded them."

Gunnar Jeannette will go down in the history books as the first pole-winner in the new Le Mans Prototype Challenge class. He won out in a terrific qualifying battle with a lap of 1:55.279 (115.546 mph) driving the Green Earth Team Gunnar ORECA FLM09. The former Panoz factory pilot outpaced Ryan Hunter-Reay in the first of Level 5 Motorsports' two FLM09s by just 0.118 seconds.

"It was really exciting," said Jeannette, who will drive with Christian Zugel and Elton Julian. "It's an honor to have the first class for a new car in the series. Our G-Oil car was really hooked up. We skipped the morning practice to do race prep. We were comfortable with our qualifying setup."

The competition between the top three cars in the class has been as tight as any other during the week. The top three qualifiers were within 0.822 seconds; Christophe Bouchut ended the session third in the second Level 5 entry at 1:56.101 (114.728 mph).

Jeannette admitted there is some uncertainly about debuting a new car and new class at America's most grueling race.

"Even though the basis of the car is an endurance racing machine, there are some bits that aren't race-tested," he said. "I think we're all going to aim to get to the finish. Christian did about a stint-and-a-half at the test so we know Michelin has given us a good multiple tire so we'll be doing double- and triple-stints hopefully we can keep doing it lap after lap."

Flying Lizard Motorsports Jörg Bergmeister qualified on pole for GT2. He originally placed second before Dirk Müller's pole-winning BMW M3 was excluded from qualifying after failing a post-session stall test in technical inspections.

Bergmeister's best lap was a 2:01.150 (109.946 mph) pass in the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR that he will drive with fellow factory pilots Patrick Long and Marc Lieb.

"We made a really aggressive tire choice today but we were surprised that the competition wasn't as fast as they were earlier in the week," Bergmeister said. "We're pleased to be on the front of the grid but we know it's a long race."

Müller had set a lap of 2:00.782.

Porsches held the top two spots with an impressive performance for Team Falken Tire. Factory driver Wolf Henzler set a lap of 2:01.201 (109.900 mph) in the car he will drive with Bryan Sellers and Porsche works driver Patrick Pilet. The team is competing in its first full season in the Series for 2010.

Risi Competizione's Jaime Melo qualified third with a lap of 2:01.236 (109.868 mph) in the Ferrari F430 GT that he will drive with Gimmi Bruni and Pierre Kaffer. Risi hasn't lost an endurance round since Sebring 2008.

The top seven cars were under the 2:01 mark, and eight entries – not counting Müller's time – broke the class qualifying record.

Alex Job Racing entries swept the top three positions in GT Challenge with Leh Keen turning a best lap of 2:05.959 (105.749 mph) in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car he will share with Butch Leitzinger and Juan Gonzalez. Keen, whose only other start was at Petit Le Mans in 2005, bested Patrick Kelly by 1.159 seconds.

Kelly will drive with Ricardo Gonzalez and last year's LMP2 co-champion Luis Diaz.

"I've never done this race before and only have done Petit Le Mans a few years ago," Keen said. "The class of drivers here is very high. Now that we can run the GTC class, it brings a few more cars in. My laps were pretty clean. Our guys set up the car really well. The car is going to have more of a race setup now. It's like a 24-hour race squished down into 12."

AJR is a six-time winner at Sebring in GT classes and obviously knows how to get around at Sebring. But there are some new dynamics such as the new car and new class running 12 hours on such a demanding circuit.

"The one that has the cleanest race will have the best chance," Keen said. "We were setting up the car and had a little bit of a push early this week. Turn 17 and 1 are pretty bumpy and that's just the way the track is. Some of the understeer in 14 and 15 was bad. I think we're close to getting something we're comfortable with and can drive for the full race."

Romeo Kapudija qualified the AJR Porsche he will share with Bill Sweedler and Jan Dirk-Lueders third with a lap of 2:07.205 (104.713 mph).

The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida, the opening round of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and America's greatest sports car race, starts at 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday. The green flag will fall at 10:30 a.m. ET with live coverage on SPEED starting at 10 a.m. ET. Live coverage also will be available on American Le Mans Radio, as well as Sirius Channel 127 and XM Channel 245.Visit the Series' schedule page for ticket and accommodation information. Live Timing and Scoring, track schedule, entry list and much, much more will be available on Racehub at americanlemans.com.

You can follow the Series on Twitter (almsnotes) and on our Facebook page and the official YouTube channel.

58th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
presented by Fresh from Florida
Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Fla.
Saturday's lineup
1. Marc Gene, Spain; Anthony Davidson, England; Alexander Wurz; Peugeot 908 HDI FAP (P1), 1:45.214, 126.599
2. Pedro Lamy, Lisbon Portugal; Sebastien Bourdais, France; Nicolas Minassian, England; Peugeot 908 HDI FAP (P1), 1:45.841, 125.849
3. Stefan Mücke, Germany; Harold Primat, Switzerland; Adrian Fernandez, Mexico; Lola B09 60/Aston Martin (P1), 1:46.079, 125.567
4. Paul Drayson, London, UK; Jonny Cocker, UK; Emanuele Pirro, Italy; Lola B09 60/Judd (P1), 1:46.460, 125.117
5. David Brabham, Australia; Simon Pagenaud, France; Marino Franchitti, Scotland; HPD ARX-01c (P2), 1:47.684, 123.695
6. Greg Pickett, Alamo, CA; Klaus Graf, Germany; Sascha Maassen, Germany; Porsche RS Spyder (P2), 1:47.738, 123.633
7. Chris Dyson, Pleasant Valley, NY; Guy Smith, England; Andy Meyrick; Lola B09 86/Mazda (P2), 1:47.882, 123.468
8. Bryan Willman, Kirkland, WA; Tony Burgess, Canada; Pierre Ehret, Santa Rosa, CA; Lola B06 10/AER (P1), 1:54.441, 116.392
9. Christian Zugel; Gunnar Jeannette, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Elton Julian, Los Angeles, CA; Oreca FLM09 (LMPC), 1:55.279, 115.546
10. Scott Tucker; James Gue, Athens, GA; Oreca FLM09 (LMPC), 1:55.397, 115.428
11. 12. Scott Tucker; Christophe Bouchut, France; Mark Wilkins, Canada; Oreca FLM09 (LMPC), 1:56.101, 114.728
12. Mitch Pagery, Deerfield Beach, FL; Brian Wong; David Ducote; Oreca FLM09 (LMPC), 1:59.580, 111.390
13. Jörg Bergmeister, Germany; Patrick Long, Oak Park, CA; Marc Lieb, Germany; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (GT2), 2:01.150, 109.946
14. Bryan Sellers, Centerville, OH; Wolf Henzler, Germany; Patrick Pilet, France; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (GT2), 2:01.201, 109.900
15. Jaime Melo, Brazil; Gianmaria Bruni, Italy; Pierre Kaffer, Germany; Ferrari 430 GT (GT2), 2:01.236, 109.868
16. Jan Magnussen, Denmark; Johnny O'Connell, Flowery Branch, GA; Antonio Garcia, Spain; Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (GT2), 2:01.358, 109.758
17. Olivier Beretta, Monaco; Oliver Gavin, England; Emmanuel Collard, France; Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (GT2), 2:01.628, 109.514
18. Scott Sharp, Jupiter; Johannes van Overbeek, San Francisco, CA; Dominik Farnbacher, Germany; Ferrari 430 GT (GT2), 2:01.914, 109.257
19. Bill Auberlen, Hermosa Beach, CA; Tom Milner, Leesburg, VA; Dirk Werner, Germany; BMW E92 M3 (GT2), 2:01.922, 109.250
20. Ed Brown, Las Vegas, NV; Guy Cosmo, Long Island, NY; Joao Barbosa, Portugal; Ferrari 430 GT (GT2), 2:02.242, 108.964
21. Andrea Robertson, Ray, MI; David Robertson, Ray, MI; David Murry, Cumming, GA; Doran Design Ford GT (GT2), 2:03.622, 107.748
22. Butch Leitzinger, State College, PA; Leh Keen, Dublin, GA; Juan Gonzalez, Mexico; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (GTC), 2:05.959, 105.749
23. Tracy Krohn, Houston, TX; Nic Jonsson, Sweden; Eric van de Poele, Belgium; Ferrari 430 GT (GT2), 2:06.680, 105.147
24. Ricardo Gonzalez, Mexico; Luis Diaz, Mexico; Patrick Kelly, Minnestrista, MN; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (GTC), 2:07.018, 104.867
25. Bill Sweedler, Westport, CT; Romeo Kapudija, Lincolnwood, IL; Jan-Dirk Lueders; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (GTC), 2:07.205, 104.713
26. Shane Lewis, Jupiter, FL; Gerry Vento, Palm Beach, FL; Lawson Aschenbach, West Palm Beach, FL; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (GTC), 2:07.412, 104.543
27. Brett Curtis, Valencia, CA; James Sofronas, Newport Beach, CA; Andy Pilgrim, Del Ray Beach, FL; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (GTC), 2:07.751, 104.265
28. Darren Law, Phoenix, AZ; Seth Neiman, Burlingame, CA; Richard Lietz, Austria; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (GT2), 2:07.874, 104.165
29. Richard, Henri, Los Altos Hills; Lally, Andy, New York, NY; Duncan Ende, Los Angeles, CA; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (GTC), 2:11.371, 101.392
30. Joel Feinberg, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Kyle Marcelli; Tom Weickardt, Whitefish Bay, WI; Oreca FLM09 (LMPC), 0, 0
31. Paul Gentilozzi, Lansing, MI; Marc Goosens, Belgium; Ryan Dalziel, Scotland; Jaguar XKRS (GT2), 2:04.804, 106.727
32. Robert Rodriquez, Zephyr Cove, NV; Galen Bieker, Burbank, CA; Cory Friedman; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (GTC), 2:10.312, 102.216
33. Andy Wallace, England; Tom Sutherland, Los Gatos, CA; JR Hildebrand; Oreca FLM09 (LMPC), 1:55.579, 115.246
34. Dirk Mueller, Germany; Joey Hand, Sacramento, CA; Andy Priaulx, Germany; BMW E92 M3 (GT2), 2:00.782, 110.281

Leaked: Mercedes SLS AMG GT3

Now, a series of leaked pictures showing the Mercedes AMG SLS GT3 racecars have surfaced, showing the car in all its glory.

The car pictured here features a heavily revised body which includes the front bumper with large central intake and lower splitter, canard air foils, hood, fenders with deep wheel well vents, huge side sills, that massive carbon rear wing integrated into the boot lid, fuel filler pocket in the quarter panels and rear bumper with purposeful diffuser.

Inside the car is a true racer with carbon fiber racing seats, a carbon center console and racing digital dash – which even has lights to notify the driver when to shift.

The car will used a modified version of the production V8 engine. This is a 6.2 liter naturally aspirated powerplant that develops 571 hp at 6,800 rpm and 480 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm.

According to the Mercedes-Benz-Passion blog, full details are set to be released on March 27th, with the car set for its racing debut in the Spring of next year.



Press Release

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Spectacular racing car for the sporting customer

Puebla (Mexico) - Coinciding with the market launch of the SLS AMG on 27
March 2010, Mercedes-AMG is presenting a GT3 variant. This racing version of
the gullwing model stands out with its spectacular design and thoroughbred
motor sports technology. Developed to comply with the GT3 specifications of
the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), the SLS AMG GT3 is
designed as a racing sports car for customers competing in sprints and
long-distance races. These race series for near-series GT cars are noted for
their very varied participants and great excitement. Not least because of
their comparatively favourable cost structure, they are enjoying increasing
worldwide popularity.
AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz, is entering a new
business sector with the new SLS AMG GT3: the development, production and
marketing of sports racing cars intended for customer use. Sales of these
customer cars are expected to commence in autumn 2010, and homologation of
the GT3 variant will be completed in time for the 2011 racing season.
"Thanks to uncompromising lightweight construction and superior handling
dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an outstanding basis for a highly competitive
racing car. This exciting GT3 version is our response to strong customer
demand for a car designed for these attractive motor sports series. Once
again, it demonstrates AMG's huge experience gained in more than 40 years of
motor sports, and its great expertise in the development of unique
high-performance cars," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG
GmbH.
The new SLS AMG GT3 is an emphatic continuation of AMG's commitment to
motor sports. AMG has been a pioneer in the motor sports world ever since
its foundation in 1967. The new racing version of the SLS AMG is developed
and produced by AMG in close cooperation with HWA AG. HWA is responsible for
the DTM racing team on behalf of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports. The HWA team is
one of the most successful in international motor sports, as witness nine
driver championships in the DTM and ITC, as well as two championship titles
in the FIA GT Championships.
The SLS AMG GT3 is set to write another chapter in this success story,
and harks back to the 300 SL racing sports car of 1952 which first
established the "gullwing" legend. Its historic victory in the "Carrera
Panamericana" long-distance race also made Mercedes-Benz a household name in
North and Central America, and demonstrated the know-how and expertise of
the Stuttgart-based automobile company.
Spectacular racing car looks and top-class performance

The new SLS AMG GT3 is wide, flat and has spectacular racing car looks. The
main focus when modifying the body of this gullwing model was on aerodynamic
performance - as is seen not only in the new front apron with a splitter,
the bonnet with its central cooling air vent and the wider front and rear
wings, but also in the the side wheel arch air vents, the sideskirts with
cooling ducts for the rear brakes, the smooth underbody with a rear diffuser
and the adjustable rear aerofoil. All these features ensure a low drag
coefficient and maximum downforce - while guaranteeing effective cooling of
thermally highly stressed components. The C-pillars accommodate the
standardised filler pipes for the fast-refuel system.
The FIA will determine the maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8
front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication on the "Balance of Performance"
principle. This is intended to ensure that all the racing cars taking part
have an equal chance. The classification process, during which the kerb
weight is also determined, will be completed in 2010. Power transmission in
the GT3 variant is by a sequential six-speed racing transmission with
steering wheel shift paddles and an integrated multi-disc locking
differential. As in the standard SLS AMG, the transmission is located at the
rear axle: the engine and transmission are connected by a torque tube within
which a carbon-fibre shaft rotates at the engine speed, as in the roadgoing
version.
The wheels are located by a double-wishbone suspension of forged
aluminium at the front and rear. Adjustment facilities for the springs and
shock absorbers, the suspension height, the stabilisers, the track width and
camber allow an individual setup for the racetrack. Rack-and-pinion steering
with a more direct ratio and speed-sensitive servo assistance make for
extremely agile handling. Behind the central-locking AMG light-alloy wheels,
a composite steel racing braking system with racing ABS ensures outstanding
deceleration.
Functional racing car atmosphere in the interior

The interior of the SLS AMG GT3 is dominated by a functional racing car
atmosphere: the steel rollover cage not only ensures the driver's safety,
but also adds additional reinforcement to the aluminium spaceframe. Another
eye-catching feature is the racing bucket seat with a six-point seat belt
and HANS system (Head and Neck Support). The central display is perfectly
positioned in the driver's field of vision, and shows all the relevant
information such as speed, engine rpm, operating temperatures, lap times and
the selected gear. The open-top racing steering wheel with gearshift paddles
makes perfect vehicle control possible.
Additional controls are located on the centre console. This is where the
driver can not only start the AMG V8 engine or adjust the traction control,
but also select reverse gear or - if the worst comes to the worst - activate
the integrated fire extinguisher system. The adjustment control for the
brake balance is located on the torque tube tunnel.

2010 European GP

Is it time to ditch Valencia from the Formula 1 calendar? The only interesting incidents during this weekend’s race were Mark Webber’s frightening crash (which thankfully he emerged unscathed from), Lewis Hamilton’s passing of the Safety Car (after which Fernando Alonso spent the rest of the afternoon on the radio whinging to his team), Kamui Kobayashi’s performance in his Sauber, and a stray bottle on the track.



Indeed, the excitement levels only mounted after the race, as everyone waited to see whether the race stewards would impose penalties on Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, Nico Hulkenberg, Robert Kubica, Vitaly Petrov, Adrian Sutil, Sebastien Buemi, Pedro de la Rosa and Vitantonio Liuzzi for going too quickly behind the Safety Car.



In the end, they were all each given a five second penalty, which hardly affected the standings: the moaning Alonso got promoted one place to eighth, while Nico Rosberg was awarded tenth place and a single point.



Yet again, the problem lies with the circuit layout, because it appears almost impossible to overtake. This was visibly demonstrated after the Safety Car returned to the pits. An out of place Kobayashi, who was running third (after he hadn’t bothered to stop for new tyres), headed a convoy of cars for lap after lap that made no real attempt to pass one another. That makes for a dull spectacle.



Ironically, two of the few passing manoeuvres during the race were later performed by Kobayashi after he eventually pitted. Exploiting the advantage of comparatively fresh tyres, he got by Alonso on the penultimate lap, and then overtook Buemi on the very last corner of the race.



Certainly Ferrari’s complaining isn’t doing them any favours. Yes, it was bad luck that Alonso ended up in ninth on the track after the Safety Car deployment, and the situation was even worse for Felipe Massa. But to claim that the result was in some way manipulated by the FIA against Ferrari is ridiculous, especially when many would argue that Ferrari has benefited from FIA decisions on several occasions in the past.

Green Car Awards 2010

The Environmental Transport Association (ETA), a UK-based ethical motoring organisation and sustainable travel lobby group, has announced its 2010 Green Car Awards winners.

BMW took the honours in three of the nine categories. Toyota meanwhile won in two, plus its iQ was given the accolade of overall Green Car of the Year 2010. In deciding how the titles would be awarded, over 5,000 cars were assessed on their power, emissions, fuel efficiency and amount of noise produced.

The worst cars in each category were also named, with the Lamborghini Murcielago being declared the least-green car overall. Perhaps the LP 640’s 495 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions and combined cycle fuel consumption of 13.3 mpg (21.3 l/100 km) had something to do with it?

Some of the results seem a bit odd, though. For example, the winning Toyota iQ (presumably the entry level 1.0 VVT-i Manual) seems to be bettered in a number of key criteria by the car that (possibly) inspired it - the Smart fortwo.

According to the ETA’s own data, this is how the iQ compares to the diesel-engined fortwo:

Measure	iQ 1.0 VVT-i	fortwo cdi turbodiesel coupé
Combined cycle consumption	4.3 l/100km / 65.7 mpg	3.3 l/100km / 85.6 mpg
Fuel cost over 12,000 miles	£930	£720
CO2 g/km	99	88*
Carbon monoxide g/km	0.15	0.174
Hydrocarbons g/km	0.03	0.246**
Oxides of nitrogen g/km	0.02	0.224
Particulates g/km	N/A	0.021

* Smart actually quotes 86 g/km.

** Figure is combined hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen.

On the basis of those figures, the Smart would appear to be the much ‘greener’ car, unless the extra hydrocarbons and particulates its diesel engine produces are considered really harmful? However, there were plenty of other diesel cars that won their categories, so it would seem that argument doesn’t really stand up.

Apart from that, there are some models mentioned that are no longer produced (for instance the V6-powered Volkswagen Golf and the AMG version of Mercedes-Benz’s R-Class). And it seems that the greenest off-roader prize has gone to the whole of the BMW X1 range, rather than an individual model. Notwithstanding the issue that anyone contemplating taking an X1 off-road would need to be very adventurous (and have a proper off-roader on standby to rescue them shortly afterwards), there’s quite a difference in fuel consumption and emissions between the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.

So, perhaps the results need to be viewed with a degree of circumspection but, for what it’s worth, here is the list of the ETA Green Car Awards 2010 winners and losers:

Category	Best	Worst
Green Car of the Year 2010	Toyota iQ	Lamborghini Murcielago
Greenest small family car	Honda Insight 1.3	Volkswagen Golf 3.2 V6
Greenest large family car	BMW 320d Touring	Vauxhall Insignia VXR V6 Turbo
Greenest supermini	Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D	Renault Clio Sport 200
Greenest city car	Toyota iQ	Fiat Panda 1.4 100HP
Greenest sports car	Vauxhall Tigra	Lamborghini Murcielago
Greenest MPV	Peugeot Bipper Tepee	Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG
Greenest small MPV	Renault Modus 1.5dci	Vauxhall Zafira VXR 2.0i Turbo
Greenest off-road car	BMW X1 E84	Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
Greenest luxury car	BMW 740d	Bentley Brooklands