Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car

Citroen has releases new photos and details for the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe race car, It will compete again in the SCCA World Challenge where it campaigned successfully from 2004 to 2007. Cadillac captured the Manufacturer’s Championship with the CTS-V sedan, in 2005 and 2007 and the Driver’s Championship in 2005.

The CTS-V Coupe will have to undergo plenty of modifications to meet up to the SCCA standards, but Cadillac has yet to announce what the changes for the future race car will include. Of course, the fact that the standard coupe gets a 556 HP V8 engine is reason enough for some teams to be shaking in their performance tires.

The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe race car will debut in the SCCA World Challenge is March 25-27 in St. Petersburg with drivers Johnny O'Connell and Andy Pilgrim at the wheel.




Press Release

• Racecar based on award-winning CTS-V Series line
• Program designed to validate, enhance Cadillac performance
• Andy Pilgrim, Johnny O’Connell signed as Cadillac drivers

DETROIT – Cadillac announced today it will return to racing in 2011 with a race-prepared version of its CTS-V Coupe competing in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge, North America’s top production-based racecar series.

The move returns Cadillac to a series where it competed from 2004 to 2007. Competing in the GT Class with the CTS-V Sport Sedan, Cadillac captured the Manufacturer’s Championship in 2005 and 2007 and the Driver’s Championship in 2005.

Cadillac will field two teams in the upcoming SCCA World Challenge GT Class with a racecar based on the CTS-V Coupe. The CTS-V line, which also includes the CTS-V Sedan and CTS-V Wagon, was recently named to Car and Driver magazine’s 10 Best list for 2011.

“Returning to racing in the SCCA World Challenge is a great way to demonstrate the performance and capability of the CTS-V Coupe,” said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing. “The racecars in this series are production based, which allows us to validate our performance against the best of our competitors on the track, and not just the showroom.”

Cadillac is working with Pratt & Miller, a New Hudson, Mich., engineering firm which specializes in motorsports, to develop the CTS-V Coupe racecar. While some of the production CTS-V components will be modified due to the unique demands of racing or to meet the SCCA series’ technical rules, every effort is taken to maintain as much production content as possible.

“The SCCA World Challenge lends itself well to a natural transfer of knowledge,” said Jim Campbell, GM vice president for Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “The series will become a key test-bed for Cadillac. We anticipate using what we learn on the racetrack to ensure the V-Series stays on the cutting-edge of performance.”

The first event in the SCCA World Challenge is March 25-27 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Johnny O’Connell, a three-time GT1 champion in the America Le Mans Series, and Andy Pilgrim, who won the 2005 SCCA World Challenge GT class in a Cadillac, will be behind the wheel of the CTS-V racecars.

Introduced for the 2003 model year, the CTS-V has quickly earned a reputation among luxury sports car buyers. For the 2011 model year, Cadillac added the CTS-V Coupe and the CTS-V Sport Wagon to the CTS-V Sport Sedan, creating an impressive family of performance vehicles. The CTS-Vs feature Brembo brakes, a supercharged 6.2L V8 delivering 556 horsepower and a Magnetic Ride Control suspension system that can read and react to the road 1,000 times a second.

Started in 1944, the SCCA organizes and supports racing at all levels from amateur to professional. The World Challenge series is designed to provide teams, manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers a competitive production-based race series in which to prove their products. The races follow a 50-minute maximum time limit, with the number of laps and total distance determined by track configuration, lap times and race conditions.

Russian hybrid car

One of Russia's richest men plans to produce his own hybrid cars, in the next few years. Mikhail Prokhorov says he wants to "break the stereotype that Russia can't produce good cars." The mining mogul — who also owns the New Jersey Nets basketball team — unveiled a prototype of the car in Moscow Monday.

Looking somewhat like large toy cars, the three prototypes shown—a two-door car, a minivan and a small cargo van—are touted as being the world’s first natural gas hybrid electric vehicles. The Yo’s drivetrain is a series hybrid design that operates with two small electric motors, a bank of capacitors and a small engine that can burn either gasoline or natural gas. The engine operates almost continuously, generating electricity that powers the motors directly or charges the capacitors that discharge energy for start-and-stop city driving.

The ë-mobile (pronounced "Yo-mobile") two-door vehicle, which sources all of its parts from Russia and former Soviet Union nations, will cost approximately $10,000 when it is released in 2012. That's ultra-cheap for a hybrid, even if Prokhorov's prototype is more akin to a Pinto than a Tesla Roadster--and it has a loud engine, to boot. The car also has a top speed of 81 miles an hour (again, no Tesla) and a fuel efficiency of 67 miles per gallon.

The new car is in line with President Dmitry Medvedev’s call on business to innovate and help the country economy wean itself of a reliance on hydrocarbons for energy and transport.




Press Release

ë-AUTO Presents ë-Mobile and ë-Philosophy.

Last month, we announced a new brand of automobile. The word "ë-mobile" has since found its place in the rich Russian lexicon.

As promised, we are today displaying three prototypes of three new classes:

ë - microvan
ë - cross coupe
ë - fourgon

We are also presenting the components and cutting-edge technology behind the ë-mobile design.

We believe they represent the best of Russia's intellectual potential.

As a holiday present to the people of Moscow and to visiting guests, ë-AUTO will open its doors for public viewing of the ë-mobile prototypes. From January 2-12 between the hours of 10:00 and 20.00, we will be happy to welcome anyone who wishes to see the prototypes, learn about the technical aspects and take pictures. Entrance is free. All are welcome!

ë-mikroven

Dimensions:
Length 3892 mm, width 1815 mm, height 1611 mm
Curb weight: 700 kg
Gross weight: 1000 kg
The wheel formula: 4x4 (4x2)
Maximum speed: 130 km / h
Acceleration from standstill to 100 km / h: 10 sec
Fuel consumption: 3.5 liters per 100 km

ë-cross-coupe

Dimensions:
Length 4065 width 1832 mm, height 1495 mm
Curb weight: 700 kg
Gross weight: 1000 kg
The wheel formula: 4x4 (4x2)
Maximum speed: 130 km / h
Acceleration from standstill to 100 km / h: 8 seconds
Fuel consumption: 3.5 liters per 100 km

ë-van

Dimensions:
Length 4200 width 1880 mm, height 1870 mm
Curb weight: 750 kg
Payload: 500 kg
Volume of cargo compartment: 4 m3
Gross weight: 1000 kg
The wheel formula: 4x4 (4x2)
Maximum speed: 130 km / h
Acceleration from standstill to 100 km / h: 15 sec
Fuel consumption: 4 l / 100 km

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Porsche has unveiled the 2011 911 GT3 RSR,which will debut on Dec. 11 at the Porsche R&D center in Weissach, Germany.

The new 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR comes with a 4.0-litre, 6-cylinder boxer engine that now develops 455 hp (355 kW) at 7,800 rpm and 450 Nm of torque. The maximum rev range of the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR continues to be 9,400 rpm.

The transmission is a six-speed manual with sequential jaw-type shifting, a single-mass flywheel, hydraulic disengagement lever, a three-plate carbon-fiber clutch and a limited slip differential. The body consists mostly of steel but thanks to a series of weight saving modifications, the whole car tips the scales at just 2,689 pounds.

The 911 GT3 RSR also includes aero modifications, including a new front lip to increase downforce. The German automaker increased the size of the front wheels from 11 inches to 12 inches for better grip and less understeer.

The 911 GT3 RSR joins the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup at the very top of Porsche Motorsport’s lineup and costs a mere EUR 410,000 plus country-specific value added tax. If you already own a GT3 RSR and want the extra power and aerodynamic mods, but don’t want to spend almost half a million euros on a new car, the modifications are available as a kit for GT3 RSR cars from the 2010 season.

Source: Porsche





Press Release

Debut for the 2011 version of the world's most successful GT race car


Stuttgart. The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new motorsport season with extensive modifications. The 2011 version of the world's most successful GT race car celebrated its international premiere at the "Night of Champions" party held at the R&D Centre in Weissach to mark the end of the motorsport season. Priority in the further development of the GT3 RSR was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear, changes to the suspension kinematics and to the engine.

The 4.0-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 455 hp (355 kW) at 7,800 revs, five horsepower more than its predecessor. The power increase results from an engine management system which adapts even better to different fuel grades, as well as a redesigned exhaust system and a modified air intake housing. Moreover, the driveability of the famously efficient engine has undergone further improvements. Maximum revs remain unchanged at 9,400 rpm.

Clearly visible are the modifications to the front. A new front lip provides higher downforce at the front axle. The front wheels are now wider with the rims growing from 11 to 12 inches giving additional grip and less of an understeering tendency. The position of the rear wing and the shape of the wing mounting also underwent optimisation and were adapted to the new rear fairing with additional air outlet louvers. The rear lid was also redesigned for optimised air ducting. Like the 911 GT3 Cup and the GT3 R, the RSR has now been equipped with the LED rear lights taken from the latest 911 road-legal cars.

The 911 GT3 RSR joins the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup as the top model of Porsche Motorsport's product range. The successful long distance racer from Weissach can be ordered now at a price of 410,000 Euro plus country-specific value added tax. All 2011 modifications are available as a kit for GT3 RSR cars from the 2010 season.

Technical description Porsche GT3 RSR (2011 model year)
Engine
Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine; 3,996 cc; stroke 80.4 mm; bore 102.7 mm; 455 hp (335 kW) at 7,800 rpm; max. torque 450 Nm; air restrictors 2 x 28.6 mm; max. revs 9,400 rpm; four valve technology; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle butterflies; fuel injection.

Transmission
Porsche six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift; oil/water heat exchanger, single-mass flywheel; hydraulic disengagement lever; three-plate carbon-fibre clutch; rear wheel drive; limited slip differential 45/65 percent.

Body
Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanised steel; aerodynamically optimised front end with front spoiler; aerodynamically optimised front underfloor; adjustable rear wing; 90-litre FT3 safety fuel tank with fast filling function; air jack; welded-in safety cage; race seat (driver's side only) with flame retardant upholstery; six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support; electric fire extinguishing system.

Suspension
Front axle: McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar; power steering.
Rear: Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); rear axle tie-bar reinforced and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar. Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track).

Brake system
Brake system with balance bar control.
Front: Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 380 mm diameter; racing brake pads.
Rear: Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 355 mm diameter; racing brake pads.

Wheels
Front: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (12J x 18 ET 34); central bolt.
Rear: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18 ET 12.5); central bolt.

Electrical system
Motec display with integrated data recording; multi-function display with integrated gearshift indicator; adjustable traction control; battery: 12 volt, 80 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

Weight
1,220 kg

1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta

The RM Auctions’ event in Arizona on January 20th-21st is already featuring an impressive line up of rare and exotic vehicles, including a 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Dayton Spyder previously owned by Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson.

On offer this season is the rare race-bred 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta. Commissioned for the 1949 Paris Motor Show, the 166 MM is considered to be one of the rarest and most historic Ferrari, having been owned and raced by many notable individuals in the Ferrari world, including Aprile Palmer in 1951.

Under the hood, power is provided by a 2.0-liter V12 engine with an estimated 140 hp (104 kW / 142 PS). It is connected to a five-speed manual transmission, which enables the roadster to accelerate from 0-100 mph in approximately 27 seconds.

Chassis number 0024 M – the 10th of only 25 examples made – was originally displayed at the 1949 Paris Motor Show in Argentina's official racing colors, yellow and blue, before being sent off to South America to win the 1950 Mar del Plata. True to its name, it was also campaigned in the 1951 Mille Miglia rally, and has since undergone a thorough restoration – including the red paint job you see here.

The beautiful racer, expected to fetch between $1.9 million – $2.4 million, is one of 11 Ferraris slated to cross the auction block during the marquee event, including Reggie Jackson’s 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder that we told you about last month. Originally commissioned for the 1949 Paris Motor Show, the 166 MM on offer is considered one of the rarest and most historic early Ferraris, having been owned and raced by many notable individuals in the Ferrari world.




Press Release

COVETED FERRARI 166 MM TOURING BARCHETTA JOINS RM'S ARIZONA SALE

• Rare 1949 Ferrari 166MM Touring Barchetta latest star attraction for RM's Arizona Biltmore auction
• 166 MM headlines exciting list of 11 important Ferraris slated for January 20 - 21 sale
• RM's 2011 Arizona sale kicks off with ‘The British Are Back', Thursday January 20, celebrating a host of great British marques

BLENHEIM, Ontario (December 2, 2010) - With preparations well underway for the 2011 collector car auction season, RM announced today the consignment of a rare, race-bred 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta, chassis number 0024 M, as the latest star attraction for its Arizona sale, returning January 20 - 21, 2011.

Originally commissioned for the 1949 Paris Motor Show, for which it was painted in the Argentinean racing colors of yellow and blue, 0024 M is considered one of the rarest and most historic early Ferraris, having been owned and raced by many notable individuals in the Ferrari world. The 10th of just 25 examples featuring striking "Barchetta" coachwork from Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, it made its racing debut at the 1950 Mar del Plata in Argentina, finishing an impressive first overall (pictured left). It was also raced in period in the 1951 Mille Miglia, where it was driven by well-known female driver Aprile Palmer, who purchased the car shortly afterwards.

The subject of a complete and total restoration, 0024 M is today finished in red and fitted with its original components, including chassis, numbers-matching engine, gearbox and differential. As an original entrant in the famed Mille Miglia it is eligible for nearly any event open to historic Ferraris. (Estimate Available Upon Request).

"Over the years RM has earned the privilege of offering more important and historic Ferraris than any other auction house. We are thrilled to present another great series of Ferraris at our Arizona sale in January, including the rare 166MM, s/n 0024 M, arguably one of the most meticulously documented Ferraris we have ever had the pleasure of offering," says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder RM Auctions.

Continuing RM's reputation as the global leader in the presentation of historic Ferraris at auction, the 166 MM will be joined by no less than 10 other Ferraris at the company's Arizona sale. Other notable entries include the previously-announced 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, s/n 16835, offered from the personal collection of Baseball Hall of Famer, Mr. Reggie Jackson (Est. $800,000 - $1,000,000); a stunning, fully-certified 1966 Ferrari Superfast Series I, s/n 5989 SF (Est. $900,000 - $1,100,000); a fully-restored 1950 Ferrari 166 Inter Berlinetta, s/n 043S, one of just 37 examples produced and displayed at the 1950 Turin Motor Show (Est. $400,000 - $600,000); the 1995 Ferrari F50 Show Car, s/n 99999, the Ferrari show car used to introduce the F50 to the world and the last Ferrari with a five-digit chassis number (Est. $700,000 - $800,000); and a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC Coupe, s/n 10199 (Est. $220,000 - $250,000).

In addition to the Ferraris, other recent lots include:

• A multiple award-winning 1933 Packard Twelve Sport Phaeton by Dietrich, the 1933 New York Show Car and previously part of the famed Otis Chandler Collection (Est. $1,500,000 - $2,000,000);

• A meticulously-restored, multiple award-winning 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Three-Position Drophead Coupe, boasting an intriguing World War II provenance (Est. $750,000 - $850,000);

• A 1964 Dodge Hemi Charger Concept Car, the ultimate of all muscle and concepts cars and likely the most important Hemi-powered car in existence (Est. $750,000 - $1,000,000);

• A superbly restored 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, CSX 3259 (Est. $650,000 - $750,000); and,

• A pair of Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupes, including an early production example from 1954 formerly owned by Benihana founder, Rocky Aoki (Est. $450,000 - $550,00); a beautifully restored 1955 model presented in Graphite Gray with a red leather interior (Est. $700,000 - $800,000).

RM's 2011 Arizona auctions kicks off on Thursday, January 20 with the exclusive ‘The British Are Back' evening sale, followed by the company's traditional Friday sale on January 21. For a frequently updated list of auction offerings, including star consignments for ‘The British Are Back', please visit www.rmauctions.com.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, telephone and iPhone bidding options are available and the auction will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com to provide real-time coverage of the event.

Event Details - Automobiles of Arizona

Sale dates:
January 20, 2011 6.30pm - 9:00pm MT - ‘The British Are Back'
January 21, 2011 11:00am - 7:00pm MT

Preview dates:
Thursday, January 20, 2011 9:00am - 6:00pm MT
Friday, January 21, 2011 9:00am - 6:00pm MT

Location:
The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa,
24th Street & Missouri, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Admission:
An official auction catalog is available for $120 US and admits two people to the preview. Bidder registration is $200 US and includes an official auction catalog and admission for two to the preview, reception and auction days.

Motor Trend Truck of the Year? The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD

Make that two wins for General Motors and Chevrolet this year. The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD joins the Motor Trend Car of the Year - 2011 Chevrolet Volt as this year's Motor Trend Truck of the Year. We just had the Silverado's sibling, the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD in for review... and we can understand Motor Trend's sentiment towards this brute of a hauler.

The first three trucks that MT tested are three-quarter-ton, single-rear-wheel HDs with gasoline engines, including the 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 twins powered by GM's 6.0-liter V-8 and the 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty with the all-new 6.2-liter V-8 under its hood. The second set of trucks are one-ton dual-rear-wheel rigs, including the 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 with the updated 397 horsepower, 765 pounds-feet of torque 6.6-liter LML Duramax V-8 and the 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty with the all-new "Job 2" 400/800 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8.

“On the outside the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD appears to have been given a subtle makeover, but it’s what’s under the skin that makes this truck a winner,” said Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie. “Chevy engineers focused on three key areas – powertrain, frame, and suspension – to deliver a truck with significantly improved capability and more refinement.”

The truck award was presented to GM CEO Dan Akerson before the 111th Army-Navy Game at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. Chevrolet is the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy Game.




Press Release

Silverado HD Named 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chevrolet Silverado HD is the 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, completing a rare same-year sweep of the prestigious car and truck awards. Chevrolet also earned the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

The truck award was presented to GM CEO Dan Akerson before the 111th Army-Navy Game at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. Chevrolet is the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy Game.

"On the outside the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD appears to have been given a subtle makeover, but it's what's under the skin that makes this truck a winner," said Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie. "Chevy engineers focused on three key areas – powertrain, frame, and suspension – to deliver a truck with significantly improved capability and more refinement."

The new 2011 Silverado HD built in Flint, Mich., and Fort Wayne, Ind., was introduced this summer, featuring new frame and suspension designs, and a more powerful Duramax diesel engine with 397 horsepower, 765 lb.-ft. of torque, and 11 percent better fuel-economy. As a result, the 2011 Silverado HD is capable of towing up to 21,700 pounds, or carrying 6,635 pounds of payload. The new Silverado HD also offers available confidence- and control-related features specifically for towing including electronic trailer sway control, hill start assist and smart exhaust brake system.

"With more capability and technology than ever before, we believe the Chevrolet Silverado HD sets the bar for heavy-duty trucks," said Akerson. "It's a great honor to have such a respected authority as Motor Trend agree."

The full report from Motor Trend appears in the February issue of the magazine (on newsstands in early January) and online at www.motortrend.com. Chevrolet also earned the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year award for the Volt, the industry's first electric car with extended-range capability.

It is the first time since 2006 that one brand has won both Motor Trend Car and Truck of the Year awards in the same year. Chevrolet and Buick won both awards in 1979.