Opel GT nameplate returns in open-top form

The nameplate that adorned one of General Motors’ European Opel division’s most admired models returns after 30 years.

Opel will sell a European version of the Saturn Sky, badged the GT, though this new car, unlike the coupe original, is an open-top roadster.

The GT will be sold in left-hand-drive only. There are no significant changes to the exterior styling to differentiate the GT from the Sky. Opel has replaced the Sky’s 170-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a more powerful 265-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.

Opel claims the GT will hit 60 mph in around six seconds and run to a top speed of 143 mph. The GT will be built alongside its Saturn equivalent and the Pontiac Solstice at GM’s Wilmington plant in Delaware, with the first deliveries due this time next year.
Source: © autoweek.com by Greg Kable

Ballistic Brabus hits 212mph

Just as the dust settles on the hoo-hah surrounding the new Mercedes S-Class, along comes Brabus and kicks sand, dust and gravel in everyone's faces with the S V12 S Biturbo.

Keen students of deciphering the German tuning firm's names policy will quickly garner that this baby has a twin turbo V12.

With engine size increased to 6.3 litres and those turbos, Brabus has realised a heavyweight 730bhp and astonishing 974lb ft of torque.

Any idle boasting among friends of 0-60mph times will soon be flattened when the Brabus owner drops into the conversation the S V12 S Biturbo's 0-125mph time of 11.9 seconds. Top speed is 212mph. Game over.
Source: © topgear.com

Saab Aero X concept

"I think Saab may be a bit too caught up in their aero heritage, as their Aero X concept, to be seen at Geneva, has no doors or even an "A" pillar."

Instead access and egress is much like that of a jet fighter, with a canopy that opens up and out.

Getting beyond that, it is an AWD vehicle powered by a 400-hp, twin-turbo BioPower V6.

Yep, a bit weird, and Saab to the core. I like it!
Source: © blogs.edmunds.com by Bob

Rolls Royce 101EX

A new concept from Rolls Royce.

After the 100EX, this year it's the turn of the 101EX, another convertible concept, very similar to the 100EX, but more down-to-earth: it's shorter (24 cm less than the Phantom) and the engine is a V12 with the typical 6.75 liters Rolls capacity, instead of a V16. 75% of maximum torque is available from 1,000 rpm.

Rolls Royce says that there are no production plans for the 101EX, but it's curiosly similar to the Rolls Royce convertible seen in some spy-shots recently.
Source: © eurocarblog.com

Kawartha Speedway

I see that Kawartha Speedway has published its 2006 schedule on its website.

Toyota Aygo for Sport concept at Geneva

" This has to be the most "fun" Toyota I've seen to date. "

"I absolutely LOVE it! I would love to see Toyota find some way to make it street-legal—and sell it here! "
Source: © blogs.edmunds.com by Bob

PMRA: Grisdale Racing Products to host Shock Seminar

DUNDAS, ON (February 27, 2006) -- Grisdale Racing Products will present a seminar on auto shock absorbers hosted by Carrera Shocks, a QA1 Precision Products, Inc. company. The seminar is to take place Saturday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Grisdale is a sponsor in the Pro Modified Racing Association's, http://www.promodifiedracing.com/, upcoming 2006 season.

Founded in 1993, QA1 Precision Products, Inc. manufactures and supplies rod ends, spherical bearings, related custom linkages, and custom-machined products. With a growing wealth of engineering and manufacturing expertise on staff, QA1 is uniquely positioned to partner with its customers in order to provide timely delivery of quality products at a very competitive market price.

“Jeffery Beck and Carter Gerlach from QA1/Carrera will be on hand providing detailed and technical advice to all present including the entire QA1 program covering products from full race, hotrod, and Pro Street,” explained Grisdale’s Drag Racing & Performance Sales Coordinator, Paul Polly. “Another important item will be proper shock valving and proper shock setup to get the most benefit from a racecar’s chassis and tires, whether it’s oval track, road course, or on the drag strip.”

QA1 is proactively positioned to respond to current market concerns -- with commitments to inventory, quality control, and quick delivery -- a position that is unprecedented in today’s manufacturing supply chain. Training and education of its entire support staff reinforce the commitment that QA1 makes to genuine customer service.

“In 2004, QA1 purchased Carrera Shocks and is now the number one manufacturer,” said Thatcher (T.J.) Krupp, Grisdale’s Stock Car Racing & Performance Sales Coordinator. “Whether you’re looking for improved ride quality, show-stopping appearance, or faster times, QA1 delivers.”

QA1’s quality system is ISO 9001 certified. This focus on quality has enabled QA1 to achieve prominence in the OEM contract manufacturing business, and in the supply of high performance components to the racing industry. With the acquisition of the HAL® shock absorber company in 1998, QA1’s ability to impact sales to circle track, street rod, and dragster markets has been rapid. In a relatively few years, QA1 holds the position of supplying the majority of rod ends and spherical bearings to the U.S. racing market. Building upon this base, QA1 has been able to refine its product offering for industrial MRO and OEM applications.

This seminar is free; however, you must be registered to attend and take advantage of the special pricing and available only on the day of the seminar.

With a strong and solid reputation in the auto racing and aftermarket industry, Grisdale Enterprises Inc. is a multi-dimensional company that has been faithfully serving its customers for 25 years. The Grisdale Racing Products Division is a one-stop supplier for high performance and hard-core racing components.

Grisdale Enterprises Inc., http://www.grisdale.com/, has a complete line of racing products for the entry-level enthusiast to the full-time professional racer is available from Grisdale Racing Products. It carries a full line of fiberglass and aluminum racecar bodies, frame and suspension components, brake systems, wheels, tires, safety equipment (including Nomex suits), heat shielding materials, infra red pyrometers, and data acquisition products. Grisdale also specializes in driveline systems, on-board timing equipment, as well a full line of gauges, engine, and ignition components.

For more information, contact Paul Polly, paul@grisdale.com, or call 800.561.1791.

A sign that Spring is on the horizon....

Mike Sutton of Tiemersma Motorsports notes that the boys' cars "are starting to look like racecars again."

There are some pictures of the cars in progress here.

And there's an update on the team's progress here.

Thanks to Mike for the update and good luck to Steve and Derrick!

ARCA: S&H Motorsports Announces An Alliance With the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation

HOLLY, MI (February 28, 2006) - - S&H Motorsports, a professional based ARCA RE/MAX Series team with operations based in Holly, Michigan proudly announced today the alliance with the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, the official charity of Tim Hortons, the largest quick service restaurant chain in Canada with rapid expansion in the United States.

More at link above....
From S&H Motorsports

ALMS: BOURDAIS, JUNQUEIRA COMPLETE STELLAR SEBRING LINEUP FOR MULTIMATIC MOTORSPORTS TEAM PANOZ

Multimatic Motorsports Team Panoz has completed its driver lineup for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Multimatic Motorsports Team Panoz has secured leading Champ Car World Series and Newman-Haas Racing aces Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira to complete its star-studded lineup for the opening round of the 2006 American Le Mans Series - the 54th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Each of the two open-wheel stars will drive one of the team's Panoz Esperante GTLMs. Bourdais will join David Brabham and Scott Maxwell in the No. 50 entry; Junqueira is partnering with Gunnar Jeannette and Tom Milner in the No. 51 Panoz.

Bourdais has won the Champ Car World Series for the past two years in succession while Junqueira is a three-time runner-up and a former pole winner for the Indianapolis 500. Both drivers are former championship winners in the FIA Formula 3000 series in Europe.

Bourdais is no stranger to endurance racing. Born and bred in the famed French city of Le Mans, Bourdais has contested his hometown's fabled 24 Hours on five occasions, won the 2002 Spa 24 Hours and will be competing in his third Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring when he climbs aboard the Panoz from March 15-18.

Champ Car standouts Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira each will drive a Panoz Esperante GTLM at Sebring. Click here for Hi-Res "I am really looking forward to doing Sebring in the Panoz because it is always important to get as much seat time you can," Bourdais said. "Our testing is very restricted in Champ Cars so it is handy to get additional miles at this time of year. The race is going to be very interesting as well because the competition in GT2 is looking very strong - I am really looking forward to the battle.

"It is also great to do the race with Multimatic. We know each other well from what they do for NHR in Champ Cars and obviously from the Mustang race I did with Dad in January (at Daytona)," he added. "The Panoz campaign also looks to be in very good shape since Multimatic took over the entire program this year as well."

For Junqueira, the Sebring event will be his first race since suffering back injuries in a crash at last year's Indianapolis 500.

"The Sebring event will have a lot of 'firsts' for me - my first race with a roof over my head, my first ever sports car race and my first race since the Indy 500 last year," Junqueira said. "It will be great for me to shake off the cobwebs and do some race miles before the first Champ Car race at Long Beach.

Mulitmatic Motorsports Team Panoz is looking forward to a close fight in GT2 during the 2006 American Le Mans Series. Click here for Hi-Res "It is certainly going to be different, but my father raced with a roof over his head in touring cars for about 25 years in Brazil so it should be great experience - a lot of fun," Junqueira added. "I've always had great relationship with all the guys at Multimatic through Newman-Haas so it is great to get to drive for them at Sebring."
Preseason preparations for Multimatic Motorsports Team Panoz continued at Road Atlanta this week with Brabham, Maxwell, Jeannette and Milner on hand to test the team's two Panoz Esperante GTLMs.

"Having Sebastien and Bruno join the team for Sebring completes a perfect driver combination for us," said Multimatic Vice President and Motorsports Technical Director Larry Holt.
The Newman-Haas Racing (NHR) drivers are more than familiar with the Multimatic organization and its technical expertise. Multimatic has partnered with NHR in the development of the DSSV dampers which helped the Chicago-based team win three out of the past four Champ Car titles.

In addition, Multimatic also provides Newman-Haas with four-post-rig services and vehicle dynamics expertise.

"Our company has worked closely with Newman-Haas to help them achieve success in the Champ Car World Series," Holt added. "A lot of the development we did together on the DSSV technology has formed the basis for the dampers we are now using on the Panoz and in other series such Formula One, the Le Mans Series in Europe, Super GT in Japan and Formula 3 championships throughout the world.

"Multimatic has helped Sebastien and Bruno win a lot of races in the Champ Car Series, hopefully they can now help us win at Sebring with the Panoz," Holt concluded. "Everybody on the team is really looking forward to Sebring. The cars have run brilliantly so far and we have our sights set on kicking off our championship assault with a win. The challenge in the GT2 class is going to be tough with Porsche, Ferrari, BMW and Lexus but we are ready for the fight."

Multimatic is a privately held Canadian corporation supplying components, systems and services to the global automotive industry. The company is headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, and has operating divisions in North America and Europe with partners in Asia, South America and Australia.

Multimatic specializes in the manufacture of stampings, welded assemblies, mechanisms, and suspension components, as well as the design and development of automotive body and chassis systems. Multimatic uses advanced technologies to achieve outstanding product quality, delivery and functional performance.

The Panoz Esperante is a high performance handcrafted limited production sports car built in Braselton, Georgia by Panoz Auto Development Company (PADC).

The racing version of the car, known as the GTLM, has been developed for FIA/ACO GT2 competition by Elan Motorsports Technologies with chassis engineering and manufacturing support from Multimatic.

The American Le Mans Series begins its 2006 season with the 54th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The 12-hour endurance classic is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. EST on March 18 at Sebring International Raceway. It will be televised live on SPEED Channel in North America and MotorsTV in Europe. In addition, Greenlight-Television will distribute the race worldwide to more than 510 million households. American Le Mans Series Radio will have flag-to-flag coverage available at http://www.americanlemans.com/, along with IMSA Live Timing & Scoring.

From ALMS // Image from multimaticmotorsports.com

New Terios takes off in Geneva

Daihatsu took the chance to tease showgoers one last time with its new Terios before the car goes on sale in the UK in May.

The pint-pot SUV uses a new 1.5-litre engine with 103bhp and full-time four-wheel drive.

All Terios models will come with four airbags, air-conditioning and rear parking sensors, while Daihatsu tells us there's more space for passengers and luggage.

Capable of 40.4mpg fuel economy, the Terios will not tax your wallet too much with a starting price of £12,995.
Source: © topgear.com

Pagani and his Fangio Roadster

Pagani Automobili of Cesaro sul Panaro, east of Modena just off the famed Via Emilia, is still crafting amazing exotics for customers with the cash and non-traditional taste needed. Just as we were universally drawn to the roadster version of the previous Zonda S, the Zonda Roadster F at Geneva is also something to behold.

Built for a customer—as with all Pagani showpieces—the F roadster keeps all of the AMG power upgrades in the Mercedes 7.3-liter, 594-hp, 549-lb-ft V12. It just removes the roof and puts in its place what we think is the finest work of removable-top art in the exotic trade. Whereas the actual carbon composite roof is more like the targa-esque piece on the Maserati MC12 Stradale, the side curtains are actual canvas. The look is beautiful and the aerodynamics with this roof in place do not suffer at all over the coupe. And the entire assembly weighs just 11 pounds, allowing curb weight to stay near 2800 pounds.

Last year with the coupe F, Horacio Pagani started offering a complete carbon-look treatment and the effect here is simply evil. Pagani production is always limited to two-digit amounts and this open F will most likely end at 25 units. Within that clutch of cars, most will be the 641-hp Clubsport edition that gets to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.
Source: © autoweek.com by Matt Davis

VW Polo BlueMotion: World premiere of the most economical VW Polo ever !

VW is going to show another world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show: the VW Polo BlueMotion which is titled as the most economical VW Polo ever.

The VW Polo BlueMotion has a 1.4 liter diesel engine with a standard-equipped particulate filter, delivering 80 bhp and a torque of 196 Nm and uses less than 4 liters per 100 km.
The VW Polo BlueMotion is available from summer in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
© germancarblog.com
Source: Autokiste

Carpentier in the points on A1 Team Canada debut

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

26th February 2006, Round 9 – A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Parque Fundidora, Monterrey, Mexico Qualified: 19th / Sprint Race Finish: 9th / Feature Race Finish: 15th / Series standing: 10th (44pts)

A1 Team Canada picked up two more points today in the ninth round of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations as Patrick Carpentier made his debut for the team in the inaugural ‘World Cup of Motorsport.’ The Québec-native, with four career starts at the 3.38km Parque Fundidora, raced his way to 9th place, and the points, in the Sprint race before pit problems in the Feature resulted in a 15th place finish.

Sprint Race, 18-laps (Winner – A1 Team France, Alexandre Premat)
A veteran of rolling starts, Patrick picked through the order as the Sprint race commenced. Up six places to 13th, the arrival of the safety car at the end of the first lap should have put paid to further progression but an incident under caution involving A1 Team Japan and A1 Team New Zealand placed Patrick 11th when racing resumed on lap 7. Breaking into the top-ten the Canadian then skillfully avoided the wheel-banging duo of Robbie Kerr and Christian Fittipaldi, in the British and Brazilian entries respectively, to move up to ninth place to score two points for A1 Team Canada while securing a top-ten starting slot for the hour-long Feature race.

Feature Race, 36-laps (Winner – A1 Team France, Alexandre Premat)
Another strong get away from Patrick, this time from a standing start, saw him move up to eighth on the first lap. The majority of the field opted to take their mandatory pit stop at the end of the second lap and A1 Team Canada duly followed suit but a stuck wheel nut on the right rear tire effectively ended Carpentier’s challenge. The team’s misfortunes were compounded even further when Patrick incurred a speeding violation as he accidentally selected his pass button instead of his pit limiter pulling away from the stop. Taking his drive-through penalty on the next tour, a lap was lost to the race leaders by the time Patrick was free to resume his charge. Despite this, the pace of the A1 Team Canada entry was encouraging with Patrick eventually taking the checkered flag in 15th.

Patrick Carpentier:
“The first race went really well, I benefited from the improvements made to the car over the weekend. I was getting used to the car each time, understanding you can’t be too aggressive behind the wheel! I was hoping for a strong finish in the second race but we lost over a minute in the pits then with the penalty we were down a lap. Overall though I’m really happy! The guys on the team did a great job and they stuck with me through the learning process. For Sean (McIntosh) to have won a race last time out proves he’s fast as this is a very competitive series. It was a good experience!”

Laguna Seca, California, USA hosts Round 10 of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, 10-12 March 2006.
Standings: 1st France (153), 2nd Switzerland (121), 3rd Great Britain (73), 4th Brazil (70), 5th Netherlands (69), 6th New Zealand (64), 7th Malaysia (53), 8th Portugal (51), 9th Ireland (50), 10th Canada (44)

CASCAR drivers' meeting

Good morning and thanks for stopping by.

I attended the Sunday CASCAR drivers' meeting, in Mississauga.

The Super Series schedule still lists a TBA date in late August. It's for the Montreal ChampCar weekend. Whether or not that happens, it was announced yesterday that there will be an 11th Super Series race in '06.

Based on the 10 announced dates so far, and based on 2005 attendance figures for those 10 events, the drivers were told that they will race in front of at least 355,000 live fans in 2006, as opposed to the 255,000 the series actually raced in front of last season. This helped to soften the blow for many of the drivers who are eager to find positives to put in front of their existing and prospective sponsors.

People who asked about why Delaware isn't on the sked were invited to "call Delaware".

Richard Buck said CASCAR didn't "pull the hammer" on either Delaware or the T.O. Indy. They said the CASCAR biz. model no longer includes paying for track time and that they want to be a desirable part of a race weekend, and not "treated like a pain in the butt" (Richard Coughlin's quote) as they were in Toronto. Richard Buck invited people to "read the papers" to see that people are upset that there are no Canadian properties at the Toronto ChampCar weekend.

It was said that things are looking good for a return to Calgary in 2007.

Richard Coughlin also said there are "exciting things happening" with regard to the CASCAR races at Cayuga. Richard Buck said "we have some partners working on the track." No other details were offered, other than Tony Novotny's denial that CASCAR or NASCAR were planning to purchase Cayuga.

The Sportsman Series was released. Five races so far. Expect a sixth, in late August.

• June 17 Mosport Oval
• July 1 Barrie Speedway
• Aug. ??? TBA Barrie Speedway
• Sept. 2-3 Cayuga
• Sept. 16-17 Kawartha.

Lots of talk about working toward a "NASCAR Operational Level" in terms of event management, safety and communication. Some drivers commented that their main frustrating during the winter was a lack of communication from CASCAR and they would welcome the change.

Several drivers repeatedly pushed for a timeline for a sale and whether or not they can use the NASCAR brand to sell their programs to sponsors. They were told there is no timeline and that they can't use "NASCAR". Period. This left some frustrated, given that they said that last summer they were given assurances that the sale of CASCAR to NASCAR would happen. And they passed those assurances on to their sponsors. And now those sponsors are asking them 'what happened?'.

But on the other hand, there was lots of talk about NASCAR demonstrating its committment to CASCAR by their investment in Richard Buck playing a major role in running CASCAR. Buck said, "I can't tell you that NASCAR is coming to Canada. You don't make an announcement about an announcement.... I pushed [NASCAR] as hard as I could without losing my job and your resource."

Regarding CASCAR's future with NASCAR, new race director Trevor Hambly invited attendees to "read between the lines" ... "If you can't see what's going on here, you're blind" ... and "Don't lose focus on where we're going."

At the start of the meeting, Tony Novotny said, "Our relationship with NASCAR thickens as the days go on."

When all was said and done, Novotny took the microphone, saying he had to restrain himself from doing so at several points during the Q&A. He urged the competitors to leave the meeting with a positive message. He said the future has never looked so bright for CASCAR and that he feels even better about things than he did last fall at the banquet.

He urged the drivers and anyone associated with CASCAR that "this is not the time to sell your stock."

This post has dealt mainly with the business and schedule side of CASCAR. Richard Buck gave a lengthy demonstration on new safety initiatives, including a video on head and neck restraint systems and safety belts. I am not a techie, so maybe someone can pick up on this and what it will cost to institute these new safety initiatives. Ed & Jamie Hakonson were on hand with a display of available equipment.

Please feel free to chime in with any other comments or things that I may have missed.

Greg.

More 2006 Koenigsegg CCX photos

The CCX is the upcoming supercar from Koenigsegg, set to debut in Geneva shortly.

There is little known to date about this latest offering, except that it is expected to vie with the Bugatti Veyron as the world's fastest car. More information to follow....
Source: © seriouswheels.com

Mercedes CLS 350 CGI

Mercedes will show a the CLS 350 CGI with a new gasoline direct injection engine.

Finally, after years of relative stasis, gasoline engine development is starting to take up rapidly again. I guess that the simultaneous presence of both the new 6L bi-turbo engine by BMW and of this new Mercedes engine in Geneva isn't entirely up to chance ... .

A quick comparison between the CLS 350 and the CLS 350 CGI in the following table is the best way to appreciate the benefits of this new engine, that with its piezoelectric injecgtors and spray-guided combustion gains power (+20 bhp) and lowers fuel consumption.

Source: © eurocarblog.com by Luca

Cadillac Escalade goes large

Just when Cadillac looked like it was getting a handle on Europe, it goes and announces the Escalade will be flattening large swathes of the Continent.

Taking pride of place on Caddy's Geneva show stand is the new Escalade, which looks pretty similar to the previous one to us.

Powering this footballers' favourite SUV is a new 6.2-litre V8, which cranks out 409bhp and 430lb ft of torque.

A six-speed gearbox, four-wheel drive and traction control with 'rollover mitigation technology' are all standard.

The Escalade begins its assault on European buyers in September with an expected price of £55,000.
Source: © topgear.com

Strike Three

Most young racers would give anything for one chance to make it big.

And then there's Shane Hmiel.

The young man who was given everything on a silver platter has failed his third "substance abuse" test from NASCAR.

Strike Three has earned him an "indefinite suspension".

What a waste.

Start... your.... ballots!!!!

Voting for the 4th Annual Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards, presented by Castrol has now officially begun!

2006 Porsche 911 997 GT3

In addition to the 911 Turbo, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany, is presenting another new automobile at the Geneva Motor Show. The new 911 GT3 will be unveiled to the world public for the very first time on February 28, 2006.

The new 911 GT3 will be unveiled to the world public for the very first time on February 28, 2006. This two-seater sports coupe will go on sale across Europe in May 2006.

In the 911 model range, the abbreviation GT3 stands for pure, unadulterated driving pleasure. With its uncompromising dynamics, this model impresses not only in normal day-to-day driving but also on the racetrack. The 305-kW (415-bhp) 3.6-liter flat-six engine produces a specific output of 84.7 Kilowatts (115.3 bhp) per liter of displacement. This performance places the new-generation GT3 in its displacement class at the pinnacle of road-legal production sports cars with naturally aspirated engines.

The six-cylinder engine reaches its nominal output at 7,600 rpm. At 8,400 rpm, the engine speed limit again lies 200 revolutions higher than for the previous model. This makes it a world leader in its engine-size class. In addition to this high engine speed concept, the optimized airflow rate considerably improves performance. This is made possible by the variable intake system with a throttle valve enlarged from 76 to 82 millimeters, the optimized cylinder heads and an exhaust system with low backpressure.

The driver has a revised six-speed transmission at his disposal. It impresses with its very short gearlever travel and, thanks to the lower ratios of gears 2 to 6, ideally complements the racy engine.

New for the GT3 is a change-up display, which lights up on the rev counter shortly before the relevant engine speed is reached. It provides an additional signal at the best time to change gear. The measured values prove just how well the engine and gearbox are harmonized: the GT3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, and reaches 160 km/h from a standing start in 8.7 seconds. Its top speed is 310 km/h.

The new 911 GT3 boasts an active chassis for the first time. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) offers two sporty chassis in one: the basic configuration is largely similar to that of the previous model and is suitable for driving on alternating road surfaces. In sport mode, the system switches to harder damping, thereby enabling even better dynamism on the racetrack.

For the best-possible transmission of engine power to the road, the GT3 is equipped with a comprehensive traction package, which includes not only the standard-equipment 19-inch sports tires but also a mechanical limited slip differential. In addition, the new electronic Traction Control – adapted from the Carrera GT high-performance sports car – ensures safe traction under any driving conditions. It features traction-slip and drag-torque control functions, and can be switched off completely if required.

The basic Euro price for the 911 GT3 is 93,000 Euros. In Germany, it will be offered including sales tax and country-specific requirements for 108,083 Euros. In the USA, the new GT3 will be available in dealerships from August 2006 for 106,000 Dollars (excluding tax).

2006 Porsche 911 997 GT3 Specifications:

Price: $106,000
Engine: 3.6 liter flat 6
Aspiration: naturally-aspirated
HP: 415 hp @ 76000 rpm
HP/Liter: 115.3 hp per liter
0-62 mph: 4.3 seconds
Top Speed: 186 mph

© seriouswheels.com
Source: from Porsche Press Release

Opel Astra TwinTop Production Begins

Production of the new Opel Astra TwinTop, the fourth variant of Opel’s successful new Astra generation, started today at the state-of-the-art Astra plant in Antwerp.

The dynamically designed and innovative four-seat cabrio-coupe features an innovative three-part roof system that fully opens or closes at the touch of a button in less than 30 seconds. As the individual parts of the roof system are smaller than those of conventional cabrio-coupes, there is more room for passengers and luggage. With the top down, 205 liters of storage space is available; with the top up, storage volume increases to 440 liters. A unique feature is the electrically-operated "Easy Load" system, which assists loading and unloading with the top down.

The fully-fledged four-seater is available with four gasoline engines (77 kW/105 hp to 147 kW/200 hp) and one 1.9 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesel (110 kW/150 hp, diesel particulate filter as standard). Comprehensive standard equipment includes a range of safety and comfort features such as active roll-over protection system, front thorax/pelvis airbags, ESPPlus, cruise control, air conditioning, on-board computer, CD-radio with six loudspeakers, power windows, central locking, and height-adjustable "Easy-Entry" seats with memory function.

Production-start for five-door variant in Bochum

With the addition of the cabrio-coupé, all four Astra versions (five-door sedan, station wagon, and sporty three-door GTC) are now produced at the plant in Antwerp, which was completely modernized for the new Astra. In 2005, the Belgian plant manufactured a total of 253,200 units. In Bochum, where the Opel Zafira is also produced, 71,300 Astra station wagons were built over the same period.

A few days ago, the assembly program in Bochum was extended with the successful production-start of the five-door Astra. This high-volume variant is also produced in Ellesmere Port (United Kingdom). Together with the 188,800 five-door versions assembled there last year, the total number of Astras built in 2005 reached 513,300 units.
© worldcarfans.com
Source: Text & photos courtesy Adam Opel GmbH

Alfa Romeo Spider - new photos

Alfa Romeo has announced the news for Geneva.

The first official photos of the new Spider with the roof closed, and the "big" news is the availability of the 2.4 liters JTDm turbodiesel engine for the Brera Coupe.
Source: © eurocarblog.com by Luca

New Jeep Commander launched

School run mums treat their SUVs like command vehicles, so Jeep has tailored the name of its new 4x4 to suit. Meet the Commander.

Broadening the Jeep repertoire, the Commander has seven seats, with the rear pair folding away to leave a large boot.

The Commander is only a couple of inches longer than a Grand Cherokee, so off-road ability has not been sacrificed too much at the altar of space.

Full-time four-wheel drive keeps a grip on things, while buyers can choose between a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine or whup-ass 5.7 V8 petrol unit.

Sales of the Commander start in April and prices start at £27,490 for the V6 turbodiesel Predator model and £34,490 for the V8 Limited.
Source: © topgear.com

Hmmm… No Mention of Andrew Range-eh…

Courtesy Conquest Racing

Mi-Jack Conquest fastest in Sebring with Heylen - Belgian Jan Heylen up to speed quickly

Indianapolis, IN (24 February 2006)­ Mi-Jack Conquest Racing (MJCR) continued its off-season testing program this week in Sebring, with Belgian racer Jan Heylen posting the quickest lap of the day on Thursday. The test was just the second day in a Champ Car for Heylen, who raced to the Formula Renault Megane Championship in 2005 after a strong career in the F3 and F3000 ranks.

Heylen, first got a taste of Champ Car testing in December with the team at Sebring, and relished his second run in the Mi-Jack Conquest Lola.

“It is very encouraging to be quickest even though I have so little experience in the car,” said Heylen, who posted a best time of 51.73-seconds. “I really enjoyed working with the team during my first test in December, and was happy to get more time in the car today. I felt very comfortable with the car straight away, and the team did a very good job. The car had a great balance and feel, and I am looking forward to getting more experience in a Champ Car.”

Several Champ Car drivers participated in the test, including Forsythe’s Paul Tracy and Mario Dominguez, HVM tester Gareth Ridpath as well as newly announced Champ Car rookie Katherine Legge.

With the season-open race at Long Beach just over a month away, the team is looking forward to putting all the work from the off-season to use as preparations continue for the 2006 season.

“After giving Jan an evaluation run in December, we were impressed and wanted to give him another day in the car,” said Mi-Jack Conquest Racing co-owner Eric Bachelart. “I’m quite pleased that he was quickest in just his second day in the car and it shows we have strong technical program and that Jan clearly has a lot of potential in the car. This test is part of our preparations toward the season, and it’s of course encouraging to be quick with a driver that is so new to the car.”

Mi-Jack Conquest Racing will campaign a two-car team in the 2006 Champ Car World Series and has expanded to prepare a two-car entry in the Yokohama Presents the Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda. Graham Rahal will pilot the Gehl-sponsored Swift 016a with the team in 2006, with his Atlantic teammate soon to be announced.

About Mi-Jack Conquest Racing:
1991 Indy Lights Champion Eric Bachelart started Conquest Racing in 1997 to compete in the Indy Lights series, scoring a podium finish with driver Christophe Tinseau in the team’s first season. Conquest Racing competed in the next four seasons in Indy Lights, winning races with Felipe Giaffone and Kristian Kolby. Mike Lanigan, President of Mi-Jack Products, an intermodal Chicago-based company became a co-owner in 2002. Mi-Jack Conquest Racing contested the 2002 Indy Racing League season with rookie Laurent Redon, netting a podium finish in just the third race of the season and clinching the Rookie of the year award.

Mi-Jack Conquest Racing rejoined the Champ Car family in 2003, stepping up to the Champ Car World Series with Brazilian Mario Haberfeld and scoring eleven top-ten finishes despite competing with a Reynard. Mi-Jack Conquest Racing continued its tradition of working well with young drivers in 2004 as Justin Wilson took second in the Roshfrans Rookie of the Year battle, with Nelson Philippe scoring two top-ten finishes after joining the team in the closing stages of the season. The team is looking forward to contesting its fourth season in the Champ Car World Series powered by Ford, and is currently developing its plans for 2006.

TSN: F1 Testing News

Button fastest at Barcelona, while Villeneuve drove in the rain at Imola.

Get ready for lots more 'BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY!'

FOX Sports and Darrell Waltrip have agreed upon a multi-year contract extension that expands the top-rated NASCAR network’s relationship with the sport’s premier analyst into the new television rights contract that commences with the 2007 season. The announcement was made today by FOX Sports Chairman David Hill and FOX Sports President Ed Goren.

"I firmly believe that whatever value that DW had to the sport when he was a champion driver, has been eclipsed many times over since he retired and became a NASCAR broadcaster," said Hill. "His knowledge, passion, and ever increasing skill as a broadcaster, has been instrumental in driving the dramatic growth of the sport since FOX Sports became involved with NASCAR in 2000. And you know what? He's only going to get better."

"I love FOX Sports," said Waltrip. "I love being part of a big sports family. David Hill and Ed Goren have embraced me. I have said it before, it's like being part of a championship race team. They have surrounded me with the best of the best - Jeff, Larry, Mike, Steve and all the others. Plus, FOX also has the best folks that work behind the scenes. I love my job and now I get to do it for a long, long time!"

Prior to joining FOX Sports in 2001, legendary stock car driver Darrell Waltrip compiled 84 wins and three Cup series championships in an outstanding NASCAR career. He was voted the Most Popular Driver twice (1989-90) and was the proud recipient of the prestigious Bill France Award of Excellence in 2000, honoring his lifetime of achievements. In 2003, Waltrip was elected into the National Motorsports Hall of Fame, an honor followed by an induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2004, Waltrip's autobiography, DW: A lifetime Going Around in Circles, debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list.

FOX Sports drops the green flag on its 2006 NASCAR on FOX season this Sunday, Feb. 26 (3:30 PM ET) in Fontana, CA, with a live presentation of the Auto Club 500. Over 60 cameras and 100 microphones will be strategically placed in and around California Speedway as NASCAR on FOX presents the first of 14 Nextel Cup races in high definition and Dolby 5.1 audio.

In 12 years of existence, FOX Sports has earned 63 Emmy Awards, including six in five years of NASCAR coverage, more than any other network during the same stretch of time. David Hill and Ed Goren are the Executive Producers of FOX Sports. Bill Brown is Senior Producer. Scott Ackerson is the Coordinating Producer of the NASCAR on FOX Prerace show.

From -- FOX SPORTS --

KAWARTHA SPEEDWAY: Five Star Race Car Bodies Supports Kawartha Racers in 2006

FRASERVILLE, ON - Five Star Race Car Bodies of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, is back on board at Kawartha Speedway for the 2006 season. Five Star will continue its ongoing effort to unify the body rules at North American short tracks by offering technical support and contingencies to the competitors who rely on their products week in and week out. For the 2006 season the Five Star contingency program will mirror the one offered in 2005. Any competitor who competes at Kawartha Speedway on a regular basis (80% or better) in both the Limited Late Model and Late Model divisions will be eligible. At the year end banquet the names of the racers who meet the criteria will go into a random draw. The Limited Late Model winner will receive a 20% discount off of a complete body package and the Late Model winner will receive a 50% discount off of a complete body package.

The Five Star award winners from 2005 included Limited driver Spencer MacPherson and Late Model driver Dan Kimmerly. Both drivers were very appreciative of the awards and said the contingency was a huge relief when it came to off-season re-building.

Kawartha Speedway is proud to be associated with a first class racing manufacturer such as Five Star and would like to extend a thank you to them for offering this program to our race teams as we work together to create a unified body program for weekly race teams.

From Kawartha Speedway

Stock Car Racing Canada Drag Racing NASCAR CASCAR

TALLADEGA: Asphalt factory in place...

TALLADEGA, AL - Nearly all the components of a portable asphalt plant are nowmobilized on the grounds of Talladega Superspeedway, signaling thatpreparations are under way for the monumental paving project set tobegin this spring immediately following the April 28-30 Aaron's DreamWeekend.

In coming weeks, asphalt test strips will be constructed onproperty. Track officials announced in December that the 2.66-miletri-oval track, apron and pit road will be completely repaved withasphalt for the first time since 1979. The 2006 racing season atTalladega Superspeedway kicks off with Aaron's Dream Weekend set forApril 28-30.

On Friday, April 28, fans will witness two NASCAR NEXTELCup Series practices, followed by The Birmingham News Qualifying for theNASCAR Busch Series. Saturday, April 29 will feature The Birmingham NewsQualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the Aaron's 312 NASCARBusch Series race. Then on Sunday, the stage will be set for the Aaron's499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race.

Kids age 11 and younger are admittedfree of charge on Friday and Saturday of race weekend. To order tickets,call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877- 462-3342). For our hearing impaired guests,please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also areavailable online at www.racetickets.com.

From Talladega SuperSpeedway

Canadian Stock Car Racing CASCAR

G-Force Race Cars backs PMRA in ‘06

“The PMRA has been great for our business and most importantly great for our sport.”

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

TONAWANDA, NY (February 22, 2006) -- One of the leading Pro Modified racecar builders will again be sponsoring the Pro Modified Racing Association, www.ProModifiedRacing.com, as the series enters its second season.

Based in Western New York State, G-Force Race Cars Inc. recently announced it would be stepping up its involvement with the PMRA for 2006.

“It is important that G-Force Race Cars supports the PMRA,” said Jim Salemi of G-Force Race Cars Inc. “The PMRA has been great for our business and most importantly great for our sport. G-Force Race Cars provide a complete chassis shop for the quickest and fastest door slammers on the planet.”

G-Force Race Cars services vary from building a complete six-second, 230-mph Pro Modified chassis to performing various custom fabrication tasks. It will even help racers prepare their car for race day. As racers themselves, the team at G-Force knows the commitment and development it takes to build a quality product that is innovative that also has a concern for driver safety.

“Jim Salemi of G-Force Race Cars has been helping race teams improve their performance for as long as I can remember,” stated Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the PMRA. “Western New York has always been a hot-bed of the most talented drag racers in the sport. Jim (Salemi) has always pushed the envelope to give the customer more for their money. The G-Force 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Pro Modified driven by Mike Stawicki is a good example of G-Force’s commitment.”

G-Force Race Cars Inc., http://www.gforceracecars.com/ repair aluminum engine blocks that have been "windowed", cylinder heads that have been damaged due to failure or fire slots, as well building the highest quality Fabricated Rear End Housing on the market for high powered doorslammers. All work is dealt with the same quality time and craftsmanship that goes into each of its award-winning chassis.

CSC Racing Products: Newsletter

The most recent CSC Racing Newsletter contains news about the upcoming Solo Open House on April 2, 2006, as well as some other tidbits.

The CSC Racing Homepage is located here.

Raceline: Tomas Tales!

From Raceline Radio

So when did the Daytona 500 become a night race? Pushed ahead by NBC’s Olympic money-draining coverage, did they forget it’s February? Green flag around 3 PM, 3 hour race, 6 PM checkered flag: lights required, the low clouds, fog and mist not withstanding.

Used to be the Coke 600 at Charlotte was the only CUP race that started in daylight and finished in the dark!

Canadian NASCAR popularity continues to boom! A record 568 thousand viewers clicked into the Daytona 500, up 3% from last years race. Most watched auto race in TSN history-again! More people watching those nifty Raceline Radio breaks too!

Somebody please tell the stick-and-ball and non-sports media NASCAR is a sanctioning body and not a form of motorsport. Olympic wags kept telling us cross-country snow-boarding was like NASCAR on snow. Ok, then let’s go out after dinner and play some NFL. It’s football! Let’s lace up the skates and play NHL. It’s hockey! You ride snowmobiles, not Skidoo’s! The sport is stock car racing. NASCAR is the league.

Despite the messy race, I thought Paul Tracy did a terrific job in his NASCAR Busch debut at Daytona. On the show live with us a night later, his original plan was to hang around the back, stay out of trouble and finish. Hold back? Tracy? Nope. PT said Carl Edwards gave him a wave to tag along to help each other carve through traffic in the draft.

Tracy’s # 34 got as high as 10th, forcing the NBC front-runner focused commentators to actually mention Tracy was even in the race. I think he had a top 10 car until former CART nemesis John Andretti wrecked him on lap 50. The car was too bent up to run to the front anymore, but he brought it home 24th, and once 3 laps down, on the lead lap to boot! Mission accomplished! I told Paul point-blank I was proud of him. I was.

He proved in one afternoon that even with an inferior car, PT can run with these guys! If he wants to close out his career in NASCAR and somebody gives him a competitive ride, he can win in tin-tops too!

Remember to keep those E-Mails coming for The Raceline E-Mail Bag! erik@raceline.ca . Until next week, talk to ya on Raceline Radio! ET

COMING UP: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26th, 2006
Daytona 500 winner Jimmie Johnson, Go Karts across Canada with Russ Bond, and back to notes and letters from The Raceline E-Mail Bag.

OPEN-WHEEL CHAMPION PAUL TRACY & THE GECKO PARTNER FOR MEXICO CITY

MOORESVILLE, NC – One of the world’s top race car drivers, Paul Tracy, will accompany GEICO’s gecko to Mexico City on March 5, 2006, when the #4 Biagi Bros. Racing entry and the NASCAR Busch Series take to the 2.518-mile road course.

Tracy, the 2003 Champ Car Series Champion, has spent many Champ Car afternoons racing in Mexico City since the series first debuted there in 2002, winning the event in 2003 and coming home third in 2005. Tracy is fond of the country of Mexico, as he also won the Champ Car race in Monterrey in 2003.

One of the most talented and colorful race car drivers in the business, Tracy is a fan favorite among the people in Mexico and he is excited at the opportunity to drive a stock car in the Mexico City race.

“I'm looking forward to going to Mexico City in a stock car,” Tracy said. “I have won there in the past and I feel like I know the track really well. I thank Fred Biagi for giving me this opportunity and I am looking forward to representing GEICO and BryMak and giving them a great finish.” He continued, “Jon Wolfe is a great crew chief and I look forward to working with him and I have also heard great things about the Biagi team members.”

He added, “This is the same car that Scott (Pruett) drove at Watkins Glen last year and he was in the Top 5 most of the day, so I am looking forward to jumping in it and taking GEICO and BryMak to the front. The people of Mexico have always supported me and treated me well, so I am looking forward to returning for the race.”

Fred Biagi also looks forward to the relationship.

“I met Paul about three years ago and have always thought about putting him in a car,” Biagi said. “This is the perfect opportunity to do that and we are looking forward to working with him. Paul is one of the top drivers around, so it will be fun to watch him in Mexico City.” He continued, “Having Mark Green in the car for the oval events and sticking Paul Tracy in the car at the road course in Mexico City is the perfect one-two punch for trying to get a leg up on the other teams in the Busch Series. These guys are both great drivers and they will help us get to where we want to be in this series.”

This will be Paul Tracy’s second event in the NASCAR Busch Series. His debut came at Daytona on February 18, 2006, where he ran in the Top 10 before being wrecked by John Andretti mid-way through the race. He returned to the race three laps down in the 34th position after getting his car repaired. In an unprecedented sequence of events, Tracy made up all three of his laps and finished the race on the lead lap in the 24th position.

GEICO, who is the fifth largest private-passenger auto insurer in the United States, entered NASCAR in 2001 as the sponsor of Kenny Wallace’s No. 27 Nextel Cup Series race car. Increasing their involvement in the sport, GEICO joined forces with Biagi Bros. Racing as primary sponsor of the No. 4 Dodge where they ran a limited schedule in 2002. Since that time, GEICO has stepped up their involvement with the team and they have experienced success; including a race win at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2004. To learn more about GEICO or to get a free insurance quote, please visit www.GEICOracing.com.

From Doug Barnette / Player Management Int’l

SOS: Loveys Leaves Styres Racing

OHSWEKEN, ON - Long time Styres Racing crew chief Kevin Loveys has announced his intention to leave Styres Racing effective immediately to pursue other opportunities.

Employed by Styres Racing owners Glenn and Tina Styres for the past four years, Loveys informed Glenn of the decision upon returning from his extended trip to Florida.

Unconfirmed reports from Loveys have him going to a new team being assembled for Jessica Zemken with backing from nativepoker.com.

The team will be based in the Syracuse area and compete on the ESS circuit with a number of 410 Sprint outings with WoO also on the docket.

“We would like to thank Kevin for everything that he has done for us” explained Styres. “We have no doubt learned a lot from him and wish him well in the future”.

An announcement to name a replacement will be made by Styres Racing within the next few days.

From Cheryl Pelkie / Kenetic Photos

Audi Allroad: Official pics in the wild !

It looks like some official looking pics of the Audi Allroad have escaped in the wild before the official launch at the Geneva Motor Show.

Nice car, but please in different colors!
© germancarblog.com
Source: Eurocarblog

Nissan launches Versa with interactive campaign

Nissan factory officials urged dealers to be prepared for a wave of new and updated products this year, especially as the brand tries a different approach to one launch.

The new Versa, which arrives in the first quarter, will make little use of traditional TV and print ads initially, relying instead on interactive marketing.

The youth-oriented small car will depend on Internet marketing to reach buyers, Brad Bradshaw, Nissan Division's general manager, said at the make meeting.

"You won't see the usual 30-second spots," Bradshaw said. "We've got to reach these customers where they live."

Nissan dealers are not used to competing in the entry-level segment, noted John Driebe, owner of Nissan of Elk Grove, Elk Grove, Calif., and chairman of the Nissan dealer council.

"It's a new area for us," Driebe said. "But it will mean new volume for us this year."

In his first dealer meeting since taking the top post last fall, Bradshaw answered questions about the year's product wave. Nissan is also bringing out a Quest minivan with a redesigned interior, a new-generation Sentra and a redesigned Altima.

Dealers also asked about getting more variations of the full-sized Titan pickup, something that Nissan is still contemplating, said Bradshaw. That could include an extended bed.

"We want to be a full line," he said, noting that a lack of product variations is limiting sales.

Although Titan sales softened in the fall, they bounced back in December, he pointed out. Nissan sold 86,945 Titans in 2005 - still less than one-tenth of Ford F-series truck sales.

Jed Connelly, Nissan senior vice president for sales and marketing, told dealers they had achieved the highest level of total dealer profitability in the franchise's history.

The company also updated dealers on the upcoming relocation of its headquarters from Los Angeles to Nashville, Tenn. About 86 percent of senior sales and marketing executives will remain for the move, the company said during the meeting.
Source: © autoweek.com by By Lindsay Chappell