Dirt From The Stands, by Greg Cybulski

A Prairie Dirt Family Christmas (2006)

Well race fans, here we are are once again, relaxing in the warmth of a quiet evening's glow with the anticipation of another Christmas season upon us. I sit before this keyboard with my favorite glass of yuletide cheer and Christmas carols playing in the background. As I look back to the year that was, I realize that one common theme keeps rising and that is family.

There are different families in our lives. My immediate family consists of spouse Heather, son Aaron and daughter Brandi, mom Joyce, dad Edward and brother Gord. There are others in my life as well, however, the newest is my racing family. If I made a list of everyone who has touched my life in racing in the past 5 years, I think I would have to fit them all in the grandstands of Knoxville Raceway.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of and supported Prairie Dirt over the past five years. It has been an incredible ride for my family and I as we have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people in the racing community.

Some we have personally met and have grown strong friendships with, some we have corresponded with while others, sadly, we have lost far too soon.

Some of my personal highlights of the 2006 racing season included taking a ride in a stock car at Richard Petty's Driving Experience at Walt Disney World, Florida in March. Even doing 3 laps gives one an appreciation of the speed and power these cars possess on a race track.

Regretfully, my next experience was preparing a tribute for fallen friend, Fred Brownfield which was read at Estevan Motor Speedway on July 1 by track announcer Pat Boyle prior to the NOSA Sprint feature. Pat delivered the tribute page with a reverence and feeling that the fans in attendance could appreciate. As I stood in turn 4, listening and reflecting, I looked up at the clear Saskatchewan sky, and somehow I knew that Fred was there with us and giving his approval.Once again, the good folks at Estevan Motor Speedway showed why EMS is one of my favorite stops to see dirt track racing with their awesome hospitality and family-oriented atmosphere.

Congratulations to Guy Budel and the crew at Red River Co-op Speedway for putting on a first class race night for the fans at the 2nd annual NAPA Auto Parts Mid-Canada Sprint Car Challenge here in Winnipeg. They were really looking after the fans who had to park out on Highway 75 with a shuttle service to and from the speedway. Now that's service! Thanks again to the good folks at NAPA Auto Parts for their continued support of this special race event.

Race fans, mark your calendars! The 3rd annual NAPA Auto Parts Mid-Canada Sprint Car Challenge is set for Thursday, July 12 and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Sprint Car fans can look forward to the debut of the father and son team of Lou Kennedy Jr and son Thomas. Thomas will make his Sprint Car debut in Winnipeg and run a limited schedule before taking over the famous 21k Sprinter full time in 2008. Also confirmed is Fargo, North Dakota's first lady, Natalie Sather, who with legendary veteran crew chief Kenny Woodruff should provide for more excitement at Winnipeg's premier race event.

Congratulations to the new kids on the block in 360 sprint car racing on a successful inaugural season. The ASCS Northern Plains Region headed by Chuck Zitterich made some waves in 2006 with shows in the southern part of the Upper Midwest. Brainerd, MN appears to be a good stop for the N.P. as they have 4 races slated for 2007, including the much publicized ASCS National Tour.

The Northern Outlaw Sprint Association membership celebrated a series of firsts in 2006. Scott Butz captured the NOSA points title for the first time in 2006 with strong consistent performances. Dave Sobczak, Casey Mack, John Lambertz picked up their first NOSA-sanctioned feature wins on the NOSA Sprint Tour. Lambertz's win came at a new stop for NOSA at Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, SD.

What a year for Mark Dobmeier. His stock as a driver just keeps going up. Not only did he dominate at his home track of River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND, but he consistently showed strong performances all season long at other tracks including Huset's Speedway and Knoxville Raceway. He capped off the season with his first World of Outlaws feature win, subbing for the first time in Brooke Tatnell's seat at Wilmot Speedway, WI. This was Mark's first time to Wilmot. This reporter can't wait to see what he does for an encore in 2007.

Congratulations to Schatz Motorsports on not only winning the World of Outlaws points title in 2006, but for winning the highest honor in 410 Sprint Car racing, the Knoxville Nationals.
Looks like Ken Pelkie and Ohsweken Speedway have a winning formula going in Ontario with another successful 360 Sprint venture following the 2nd Annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals in mid-September. It's good to see Sprint Car racing growing north of the border as it is.
Another highlight of 2006 was being interviewed by Darren Pallen for the sprint car special edition of Prairie Dirt Digest podcast.

In that interview I had stated the priorities in my life, that being family and the family business and the importance of them to me. Right now, it is my intention to devote more time to the family business.

Having said that, I am announcing that I will not be actively involved in the promotion of sprint car racing for the 2007 racing season. Does this mean the end of what I have started? Hardly. I will continue to keep my finger on the pulse of the racing scene and return with a refreshed outlook following my leave of absence.

I will continue to run Prairie Dirt (2005) in it's current form, showcasing open wheel racing in Canada ,in our region, and in Australia during our off-season, however, I will not pursue any other additional duties at this time.

There is a place in Manitoba where a majesty of diverse wild ground, all creatures great and small and a man's soul come together as one. This is my refuge from the daily battle in the concrete jungle called the city. If I am nowhere to be found, that is where I will be. My little peace on earth, God's Country.

On behalf of the Cybulski family, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and many Blessings in the New Year.

God willing, I will see all my racing friends at a dirt track again in 2007.

Take care and good racing,Greg Cybulski

CANADIAN MOTORSPORT HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2006 INDUCTEES

NOVEMBER 2006 (Toronto) The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) announced the nine finalists to be inducted into the Hall at an award ceremony at the 14th annual black tie Gala on Saturday, February 10, 2007 in Toronto.

This year s inductees come from a variety of racing disciplines and are being recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Canadian racing. Nominations for induction are accepted by the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame s Nomination Committee, which carefully scrutinizes all submissions for accuracy. Complete nominations are then forwarded to the Selection Committee which is comprised of a national panel of automotive and racing journalists and historians who make a selection based on overall accomplishments and contributions to Canadian motorsport.

The 2006 inductees are:

Bob Atchison // Builder // Drag Racing
Alec Bennett // Competitor // Motorcycle Racing
John Bird and Bruce Simpson // Competitors // Rally Racing
John Duff // Competitor // Oval and Road Racing
Lorne Leibel // Competitor // Boat Racing
Dan Marisi and Jacques Dallaire // Builders // All
Ted Powell // Competitor/Builder // Road Racing
Lloyd Shaw // Competitor/Builder // Oval Track Racing
Robert Theoret // Competitor // Boat Racing

Thom Dickinson, President and Chairman of the Board of CMHF says, The reason the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame exists is to honour the special men and women who have contributed to making Canada one of the world s great racing nations. We are very excited to announce the newest list of outstanding Canadians, who, through their notable achievements, have contributed to Canada s racing heritage and have left their stamp on Canadian motorsport.

The gala ceremony and dinner, including a Silent Auction, will be held at the Sheraton Centre Toronto located at 123 Queen Street. Individual tickets are $220 each, and a table of 10 can be purchased for $2,200. Tickets purchased prior to December 31, 2006 are $195 each and a table of 10 is $1,950. Tickets may be purchased by calling 905-876-2454, or by visiting the CMHF website at www.cmhf.ca.

The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame makes up one of the largest motorsport collections in Canada, housing more than 20 racing cars, boats and motorcycles. It also holds an extensive archival collection, some of which will be on display at the annual induction dinner.

The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame was established in 1993 to honour and recognize the achievements of those who have made significant contributions to Canada s rich and colourful motorsport history. Since its inception, more than 125 people have been inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame including Greg Moore, Scott Goodyear and the legendary Gilles Villeneuve. In 1999, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame combined with the Canadian Automotive Collection and operates as a charitable organization that is funded by in-house events, individual donations and corporate sponsorships.

- 30 -

Individual biographies available upon request.
For further information contact:
Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame
Tim Miller 905-876-2454

Honda Remix and Step Bus Target Gen Y

LOS ANGELES — Honda Motor Company isn't known for flights of fancy.
But two Honda vehicles making their debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, described by the Japanese automaker as "purely design concepts," push the boundaries of conventional thinking in the auto industry.

Designed at Honda R&D Americas' advanced studio in Southern California, the potato-shaped Remix is a small, lightweight two-seat sports car that is intended for use as a daily driver. It boasts a wraparound canopy and an ample rear cargo bay, and sits on a front-wheel-drive platform with a front-mounted four-cylinder engine and six-speed gearbox.

The Step Bus was created in Japan at Honda R&D's Wako design center. The mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive concept seats five and features a tall roof and a reconfigurable cabin to adapt to different lifestyles. It comes with sliding front doors and offers probably the most cavernous possible interior in the smallest possible exterior package.

Among the highlights of the modular cockpit are tracks in the door that can hold mobile phones, soda cans and more. A storage tray is mounted in the ceiling.

© Source: original article on insideline

2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup

(from Lotus Press Release) Lotus Cars USA, the subsidiary of Lotus Cars in North America, today unveiled the MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup. Unveiled at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, the 252 hp, supercharged and intercooled sportscar is a completely out-of-the-box track car with a specification designed to prepare the budding driver for the grid at some of the finest and most challenging circuits in North America.

Weight has been kept to an ultra low 1800 pounds and the phenomenal power to weight ratio has been further enhanced by increasing the power output from 243 hp to 252 hp. Weight saving (or adding lightness!) has been achieved through the effective use of lightweight materials and through the eradication of all non-essential components such roof trim, carpets, front mudflaps, central locking and bulkhead trim. Of course just having fantastic power to weight doesn’t make a car a high performer on the track, so the Lotus Sport Exige Cup has a list of standard equipment that includes track only slick tires, uprated 4-piston front brakes, adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-sway bar, the latest SCCA-compliant roll cage, FIA approved Lotus Sport branded driver’s seat with six-point driver harness (there is no passenger seat) and a lightweight rear screen (instead of glass). The options are even more race focused with a FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell, air-jack system and level two stainless steel exhaust with de-cat pipe, a plate type limited slip differential and Star Shield.

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 90 pounds of downforce at 100 mph increasing grip and ultimately safety at higher speeds.

With a top speed of close to 160 mph and a zero to 100 mph slingshot in just less than 9.8 seconds (the 60 mph sprint takes just under 3.9 seconds), the MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup is the perfect partner to a serious track day enthusiast. Even the most exotic supercars would struggle to keep up! At a MSRP of just $84,990, plus options, delivery and taxes, customer will have to queue on a first ordered, first delivered basis.

Further details about the Lotus Sport Exige Cup:

Engine

The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Lotus Sport Exige Cup has a maximum power output of 252 hp at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 179 lb-ft, at 7000 rpm. This vast amount of extra power and torque now available means that the cam change between the low-speed cam and the high-speed cam is variable to ensure that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm. The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine’s oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air (air under pressure from the supercharger) is cooled through an air-to-air intercooler (the cooling air enters via the roof scoop) before being fed into the engine itself. All charge air ducting has been kept as short as possible with large diameter pipes making sure that the bends in these ducts are not too tight, to the benefit of throttle response and efficiency. Four high capacity injectors add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving.

A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfers the engine power and torque to the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminum casing) – with the same perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. A plate type limited slip differential is fitted as an option as is the Lotus switchable traction control system (LTCS). The LTCS system works through the engine, reducing power to maintain traction, is active above 5 mph and operates much more quickly than many brake-based systems.

An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir backup for extreme track use ensuring that, under these conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant.

Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain package.

Wheels and Tires

5-spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels in silver are shod with Lotus specific Yokohama slick tires to maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus.

Brakes

The brake system includes large diameter 308 mm 2-piece aluminum belled cross drilled and
ventilated front discs and 282 mm cross-drilled and ventilated discs at the rear, upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (AP Racing two piece radially mounted, 4 piston at the front and Brembo sliding at the rear), high grade silicone brake fluid, stainless steel braided brake hoses all linked to the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system that enhances braking performance and minimising stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.

Safety Equipment

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup cars have the safety equipment that is expected for a track car with 6-point seat belt harness on the driver’s side (with an FIA approved Recaro / Lotus Sport seat) – there is no passenger seat. The full roll cage is SCCA compliant and completing the additional safety equipment is a mechanical ignition kill switch with cockpit and external activation and a plumbed electrical fire suppression system, again with cockpit and external activation.

Exhaust System

A “Level One” stainless steel sports exhaust is fitted with the bifurcated exhaust pipes exiting from the centre of the anodized-finished 3-piece rear diffuser. A “Level Two” stainless steel exhaust with de-cat pipe is a no cost option.

Option costs:

FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell – $3095
Lotus Sport limited slip differential (plate type) – $1595
Lotus Traction Control System – $495
Air jack system (special conditions apply) – $5495
Air-conditioning – $2495
Metallic paint – $590
Lifestyle Paint – $1200
Star Shield protection – $995.

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

Cadillac DTS-L Adds a Few Inches

LOS ANGELES — Weary late-night travelers arriving at the airport after hours should appreciate Cadillac's new DTS-L, a long-wheelbase version of the front-wheel-drive DTS sedan that arrives in early 2007.

The DTS-L adds 8 inches of cabin space, most of it in the rear, plus VIP-level accommodations for rear passengers.

Among the rear-seat amenities are heated outboard seats with four-way power lumbar controls and adjustable headrests, as well as a DVD entertainment system.

Power is supplied by a 275-horsepower 4.6-liter Northstar V8.

© Source: original article on insideline

VW Tiguan Concept Makes Debut

LOS ANGELES — Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off a new concept car that previews its upcoming Tiguan SUV. Set to go on sale in North America in 2008, the new five-seater is aimed directly at the popular Toyota RAV4.

This one is less radical than the earlier, coupelike Concept A from the Geneva Motor Show last March, which announced Volkswagen's plans to enter the burgeoning compact-SUV market. The Tiguan sports a more conventional two-box silhouette similar to that of its larger four-wheel drive sibling, the Touareg.

The car on display in L.A. this week provides a good glimpse of what the production version of the Tiguan will look like when it reaches North American showrooms in just over a year. However, Volkswagen insiders say its appearance will be toned down further by then.

The Tiguan is slightly shorter, narrower and lower than the Touareg, which is set to grow in size to accommodate a third row of seats when a planned second-generation model arrives in 2009.

Inside, the Tiguan borrows heavily from Volkswagen's Europe-only Golf Plus. The two share the same dashboard structure, instrument pack and switchgear, although the concept car on display in L.A. has been heavily upgraded with leather, a sport steering wheel and upmarket materials. The production Tiguan is set to have more cost-effective soft plastic surfaces along with a variety of optional trims, including wood and aluminum, in line with the larger Touareg.

The Tiguan is underpinned by a lightly modified version of Volkswagen's versatile PQ35 platform structure, as used by the Golf, with a front MacPherson-strut and rear multilink suspension. The ride height on production versions likely won't be quite as extreme as that of the concept on display in L.A., although Volkswagen says the newcomer's optional Haldex-style four-wheel-drive system gives the Tiguan the ability to head off-road.

VW is tight-lipped about the power source behind its latest concept, except to say it is a new diesel engine planned for production in 2008. Inside Line can confirm, however, that it is a transversely mounted 16-valve 2.0-liter four-cylinder common-rail unit. The engine uses the latest Bluetec technology — its special catalytic converter is periodically injected with urea to reduce nitrogen oxide levels by up to 90 percent over the existing pump injector engine offered throughout Europe.
Other engines planned for North America include the 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection unit now used in the Golf GTI. The new power plant will be in the North American lineup; it is planned to make its debut in early 2008 under the name Clean TDI.
© Source: original article on insideline

2008 Saturn Vue Uncovered

LOS ANGELES — Saturn formally introduced its redesigned Vue crossover vehicle, a model that had been unveiled previously in Europe as the Opel Antara.

The Saturn variant will be assembled in Mexico and will go on sale in early summer 2007.

Saturn also said it will market Green Line hybrid and Red Line performance editions of the new Vue during the 2008 model year.

The base 2008 Vue will feature a 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Uplevel engine choices include a 215-hp 3.5-liter V6 and, on the Red Line version, a 250-hp DOHC 3.6-liter V6. Six-cylinder models will get a six-speed automatic and will be available with optional all-wheel drive.

Standard safety features include front side airbags and air curtains.

© Source: original article on insideline

Cadillac Adds Platinum Series

LOS ANGELES — Cadillac continues to focus on elegant, hand-crafted cabins with its new Platinum Series collection, which includes limited editions of the STS, XLR and DTS.

Cadillac STS Platinum

Cadillac XLR Platinum

General Motors' luxury brand introduced the Platinum concept in 2004 on a high-end version of the Escalade ESV. The latest Platinum Series cars get more chrome, real wood and hand-sewn upholstery.

The XLR Platinum features 18-inch tires on 15-spoke alloy wheels, olive ash burl-wood trim and Alcantara suede headliner and pillars. The car is painted liquid amethyst, with a cashmere interior. It goes on sale in early 2007.

The STS Platinum has 18-inch chrome-finish wheels, Tuscany leather upholstery, chrome interior accents, a heated leather steering wheel, olive ash burl-wood inserts and premium floor mats. It is painted Glacier Gold; interior schemes include ebony or cocoa over cashmere. The car goes on sale in early 2007.

The DTS Platinum adds bright chrome exterior accents, 18-inch wheels, olive ash burl-wood interior trim, Tuscany leather upholstery and a suede headliner. The car is painted ebony, with a light linen over cocoa interior. It goes on sale in August 2007.

© Source: original article on insideline

Hyundai Rolls Out 2+2 Hellion Concept

LOS ANGELES — Korean automaker Hyundai rolled out its quirky Hellion concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday, describing the compact three-door crossover as a vehicle that brings "a new attitude to the Hyundai family."

The company said the Hellion's architecture was inspired by a "tough, hard-shell backpack that uses ribs to provide structural and visual strength."

These ribs connect to a suspended "surfboard-shaped spine." The vehicle is powered by a 236-horsepower 3.0-liter common-rail diesel engine linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Features include a removable canvas sliding soft top and a tilt front hood. The all-wheel-drive crossover is outfitted in a Dakar Gold paint scheme and has a "black desert night" cabin with glossy white accents and matte aluminum details.

Other unique touches include seat-mounted gear packs that transform into fully functional backpacks via push-button releases. The bucket seats have a "hydration system" that includes a removable, refillable reservoir inside each seat to replace the "common" cupholder.

The fluids are accessed by a pump-assisted flow tube attached to each seat, providing passengers with "hands-free" hydration. Someone must have been inspired by those corny beer hats with elaborate tubing that you can buy at football games.

© Source: original article on insideline

ITMN Subscription... a great gift idea!

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Are you dreading heading out to the malls to do battle in lines like these?

We can help. Avoid the headaches and hassles by giving them a gift subscription to Inside Track Motorsport News.

Click here to find out more. Or call our office at (416) 962-7223.

STICKY POST: This will be headlined until end of day on Nov. 29. Please see below for news.

CASCAR on TV: Barrie opener on SPEED

WATCH THE GO-RACING.CA 300 from BARRIE SPEEDWAY on SATURDAY DECEMBER 2ND at 3:00PM on SPEED!

And if you're interested in purchasing a DVD Box Set of the entire 2006 CASCAR Super Series season, send a note to Joel Robinson.

2006 Ford Mustang Giugiaro Concept

(from Ford Press Release) The 2005 Ford Mustang captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans and future owners when the all-new model debuted. But the proportions and design of Ford’s first purpose-built muscle car in 30-plus years caught the eyes and sparked the imaginations of a pair of the world’s leading coachbuilders in Italy as well.


“When we saw the new Mustang, we knew two things: It was the best we’d seen since the original, and we had to get our hands on one,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro, styling director of Italdesign – Giugiaro S.P.A. “We still believe it’s important to show the automotive world pure exercises in style that interpret key models reflecting the history and image of important brands.”

So in early 2005, Giugiaro pitched J Mays, Ford Motor Company’s group vice president, Design and chief creative officer, on his idea to do an Italian job on the beloved Mustang. The result: Mustang by Giugiaro – a one-of-a-kind concept powered by Ford Racing technologies, marking the Italian coachbuilder’s first reveal at the inaugural November Los Angeles Auto Show.

“It seemed only fitting,” said Mays. “This design study reinforces the global appeal of Mustang, yet it’s right at home in L.A. – America’s most enthusiastic performance and muscle car market. Plus, design icon Giorgetto Giugairo’s offer to work his magic on Mustang alongside his son underscores the timelessness allure of Ford’s most iconic car.”

Design aficionados will remember that the senior Giugiaro – who last year celebrated his 50th anniversary in the business by designing a custom-made Ferrari, the GG50 – created the 1965 Bertone Mustang. The car, which was unmistakably Italian in its interpretation, became the first European-styled car to make its international debut in America following the end of World War II.

The senior Giugiaro’s portfolio includes concept and production designs for nearly every automaker in the world – from Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Volkswagen to Mazda, Lotus and Bugatti. Since joining ItalDesign, the family firm, in 1990, Fabrizio Giugiaro has helped deliver key global designs as well, but American automotive icons have long captured his attention.

He designed the Chevrolet Corvette Moray, unveiled in early 2003, and was eager to expand the collection of Giugiaro-interpreted American metal.

Fabrizio Giugiaro led the 2-D design process on the Mustang by Giugiaro concept, allowing him to deliver a complete exterior model from the family’s Turin, Italy, studios in just four months.

Visually, the Mustang by Giugiaro appears more compact than the production car, thanks to a reduction of the rear overhang and a signature Giugiaro “trick” of tapering the angles on the car to the limit of its mechanical outlines.

Still, the Italian version of America’s most popular muscle car hasn’t lost any of its swagger.

The vibrant orange concept is wider than the production version. The Giugiaros added 30 millimeters to the front, gradually expanding the width by a full 80 millimeters toward the rear, which is typical in Italian design.

With its longer hood and the trunk barely visible, the car looks more of a fastback in side view. But details throughout reinforce the freedom and rebellion synonymous with Mustang. Fabrizio Giugiaro’s favorites include:

The interior – featuring a dramatic instrument panel that sweeps the width of the car; circular gauges that project from behind the steering wheel; dark brown horsehide-covered headrests with horse logo accents; and seat cushions and backrests elaborately upholstered in dark brown mottled horse hides.
The single curved glass panel that bridges the windshield and rear window, serving as the concept’s roof. Produced by Solutia of Detroit, the panel is made from a special type of crystal that filters out 100 percent of UVA rays while providing unfettered vista views.

Its dramatic doors, which are hinged at the base of the upright A-pillar and open vertically at the touch of a button.

Bespoke taillights, which are three separate elements as found on the 1964 Mustang – but reinterpreted into a more dramatic arrow shape that links to the louver panels that replace the rear side windows.

The visible curl that sweeps into the crest of the concept’s carbon fiber fenders, hinting at tail fins that defined American cars of the ‘50s.

The sporting-but-elegant unique 20-inch rims, fitted with 275/40 tires on the front and larger 315/35 tires on the rear.

As its wheels and tires suggest, the Mustang by Giugiaro is more than just a tribute to Mustang design. It also is an exclamation of the car’s heritage of performance.

The concept features a powertrain and chassis enhanced in conjunction with Ford Racing – which is responsible for Ford Motor Company motorsports development and operations.

Ford Racing’s efforts include the development and sale of a race-prepared version of the Mustang, called the FR500C, for the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series. In its first season alone, the FR500C scored five wins in the 2005 GS Class, including the manufacturers’ championship, in which Mustang bested other production-based sports cars, including the BMW M3 and Porsche 911.

This Mustang, a turn-key race car sold to privateers, provided the inspiration for the Mustang by Giugiaro concept’s performance and handling attributes.

Ford Racing improved on the already-robust 300 horsepower all-aluminum 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine in the production Mustang GT by adding an intercooled twin-screw supercharger for the new concept. Additional improvements include fuel injectors from the Ford GT and a unique engine calibration. Engine air intake is increased with a larger 95 mm mass air meter and a conical air filter. Exhaust performance is enhanced with new Ford Racing mufflers and an X-pipe.

The powertrain upgrades deliver an estimated 500 horsepower, complete with a boost level of 11 psi from the Ford Racing supercharger. A high-efficiency Ford Racing aluminum radiator provides increased cooling capability to accompany the extra 200 horsepower provided under hood.

Under the car, the FR500C-inspired chassis tuning is accomplished with a tailored Ford Racing Handling Pack. This package, available through Ford Racing for the Mustang GT, adds new Dynamic-tuned dampers, lowering springs and anti-sway bars. The changes give the car a lower stance while sharpening handling response. The car rides approximately 1.5 inches lower than the production Mustang GT.

“The Mustang by Giugiaro drives as good as it looks,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro. “After taking it to the limits on streets outside of Turin, I can honestly say this car was well worth the 30,000 hours of blood, sweat and tears that we invested to create a modern performance classic.”

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

Chrysler Sebring

Forget litres, cubic centimetres, gills or barrels. The de facto measurement of volume in the car world is... the golf bag.
Chrysler has announced that the convertible version of its new Sebring will hit the UK next summer with the proud boast that its D-segment drop-top passes the 'two golf bag test'.
Yes, it's true. Even with the roof down, you'll be able to fit two sets of woods, irons and putters in the boot of the Sebring convertible.

Is there some sort of conversion scale for this sort of measurement? Do two golf bags equate to 16 vanity cases? 24 bags of shopping?

Apart from its club-storing capabilities, the Sebring is a fairly conservative addition to the convertible market.

US customers will get the choice of a vinyl, cloth or steel roof, but us poor Brits will have to make do with the folding hard-top alone. Bah.

The Sebring doesn't break much new ground in the styling department, but it's definitely got an old-school American touch to it.

A couple of inches bigger in every direction than its fixed-roof cousin, it's not the most sporty-looking creature, but the dual chrome exhausts on the top-of-the-range 3.5-litre V6 engine lend it a more aggressive air.

In addition to that 235bhp V6, US buyers will also be able to request their Sebring with a 2.7-litre V6 developing 189bhp, or a more frugal 2.4-litre four-pot. It's still not much of a fuel-sipper though, returning well under 30mph on the combined cycle.

In the UK we'll have the choice of the smaller V6 or a 2.0-litre turbodiesel mated to a six-speed manual, which will develop 140bhp and 229lb ft of torque.

Although Chrysler boasts that the Sebring convertible is twice as stiff as its chop-top predecessor thanks to fatter sills, we're not holding out much hope of it being a finely fettled road racer. But we do like the sound of the in-car entertainment system, which includes a 20GB hard disk drive and integrated movie screen.

God bless those Americans and their television addiction.

There's no firm word on prices yet, but Chrysler reckons that the Sebring will weigh in cheaper than the Saab 9-3 and Audi A4 convertibles, which would put it in the £20,000 ballpark.

The Sebring convertible should reach the UK in the second half of next year, which gives you plenty of time to save up for a second set of golf clubs. In case you get a hole in one.

© Source: original article on topgear

2007 Ford Boss 302 Mustang To Make Public Debut

VAN NUYS, Calif. — The 2007 Ford Boss 302 Mustang by Galpin Auto Sports will get its first public showing on December 1 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The car made its debut earlier this fall at the SEMA trade show. Galpin uses the 390-horsepower 5.0-liter Boss 302 engine as the centerpiece of its customization package. This Mustang is the first to feature the new Ford Racing Performance Parts Boss 302 engine.

The performance upgrades include what the customizer describes as a "brand-new vintage" 1970 original Boss Holley carburetor, a Tremec TKO 600 transmission, T-handle Hurst shifter, McLeod bell housing and clutch, a custom aluminum driveshaft, MSD ignition distributor, coil and plug wires, and Ford Racing Performance 456 rear-end gears and axle girdle.

The exterior is outfitted with an original vintage Boss 302 rear wing and a Galpin Auto Sports custom shaker hood. The cabin has custom black basket-weave seats with Grabber Blue stitching, a Grant custom retro wood steering wheel, and a GAS custom roll cage. Tech features include an MTX five-channel amplifier, Bluetooth and iPod interfaces, Pioneer AVIC-Z1 head units for the DVD and nav systems, Q Logic kick panels, Streetwires audio accessories and Optima batteries.

"Our goal was to revive one of the most revered muscle cars in automotive history, and at the same time, ensure that we retain the spirit and passion of the original 1970s version," said Beau Boeckmann, president of Galpin Auto Sports and consulting producer for MTV's popular car make-over show Pimp My Ride.

© Source: original article on insideline

2008 Buick Enclave Ready for Production

LOS ANGELES — After its initial concept debut last January in Detroit, the 2008 Buick Enclave will be shown in final production trim this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Enclave, which goes on sale next summer, must cover a lot of turf for Buick. The full-size, eight-passenger crossover ultimately will replace not one but three vehicles: the Terraza minivan, the Rendezvous crossover and the Rainier sport-utility vehicle.

General Manager Steve Shannon describes the Enclave as "the new face of Buick" and says the vehicle's emphasis on luxury, technology, comfort and craftsmanship are "hallmark traits of future Buicks."

A companion to the new GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, the '08 Enclave will be offered in CX and CXL trim levels, in front- and all-wheel drive. The only powertrain team harnesses a 275-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Among the features are a power liftgate, sliding second-row seats, a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system, ultrasonic rear park assist and a rear backup camera.

Safety equipment includes ABS, stability control, traction control and six standard airbags.

© Source: original article on insideline

Jaguar XF Sedan

COVENTRY, England — Without releasing any images, Jaguar said on Tuesday that it will replace the S-Type with a new midsize sport sedan to be named the XF.

The luxury automaker released little information about the move except its timing. The XF will make its debut next fall, most likely at the 2007 Frankfurt or Tokyo auto show, with an on-sale date slated for spring 2008.

The new Jaguar XF will be built at Jaguar's Advanced Manufacturing Centre at Castle Bromwich in Birmingham, U.K., the company said in a statement. It is being designed and developed at Jaguar's Product Development Centre at Whitley in Coventry.

"We are now moving on to the next stage of Jaguar's exciting new design era," said Bibiana Boerio, managing director of Jaguar Cars. "If you like the new XK, just wait until you see the new Jaguar XF."

The Jaguar S-Type made its public debut in 1998 before going on sale in 1999. Since the launch, 270,000 S-Types have been sold around the world. The S-Type shared its platform with the now-defunct Lincoln LS. The new car is not expected to be based on a revised version of the LS.

© Source: original article on insideline

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster

As the Los Angeles Auto Show opens today, we know which stand we'll be rushing to first.
Lamborghini has chosen the West Coast extravaganza to unveil its Murcielago LP640 Roadster - and it's going to be difficult to miss.

Essentially the chop-top version of Lambo's outrageous LP640 Coupe, the Roadster is as subtle as a bull in dark glasses... and every bit as intimidating.

The 640, of course, refers to the horsepower produced by the Roadster's 6.5-litre V12, while LP stands for 'longitudinale posteriore', which means the engine is mounted lengthways behind the cockpit.

All of which allows the Roadster to spin up to 8,000rpm and develop a meaty 486lb ft of torque - enough to propel it to 62mph in a mere 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of almost 200mph.

Yes, that's a fraction slower than the coupe version. But without a roof to provide at least a little protection from the deafening growl of the V12, we're betting that the driving experience will be even more intense.

Removing the roof has required Lamborghini to make some serious structural adjustments to stop the LP640 from splitting in half as it hits warp speed.

A newly designed frame structure made of steel and carbon fibre keeps the Roadster rigid, with particular reinforcement given to the engine area. Lambo will even sculpt these reinforcements out of carbon fibre if you ask nicely.

Lamborghini also reluctantly offers a canvas roof, but warns that it is only for temporary use at speeds of under 100mph. Better drive fast enough to beat the rainstorms, then.

Devotees of the raging bull will notice a few other touches unique to the Roadster. The chop-top gets a new rear diffuser, with the exhaust system integrated within a tailpipe, as well as fresh windscreen wipers, a revised rear-light cluster and the option of new Hermera alloy wheels.

Otherwise the Roadster stays true to its Coupe roots. The monster 335/30 rear tyres remain, with Pirelli Corsa tyres an option for those who want to test out the Roadster on the track.

If you're brave or stupid enough to fancy charging the Murcielago on near-slicks, the LP640 Roadster arrives in the UK in spring 2007.

The price tag? Lambo is staying coy, but we reckon it'll cost you at least £200,000 to feel the wind in your hair and 640 horses behind your back.

© Source: original article on topgear

Reasonably Priced Diesel: Chevrolet Lacetti

Chevrolet's first diesel engine for the UK market will be a 2.0-litre unit with 119bhp and 207lb ft of torque.

It'll haul the Lacetti from 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and on to 117mph, or you can drive a little more conservatively to return 58.8mpg in the five-door hatch model, or 52.3mpg in the estate.

Prices and specs will be announced closer to the Lacetti TCDi's launch in the spring of 2007. You can guarantee it'll be lapping our track soon after that.

© Source: original article on topgear

CBC: Changes at Headz Gamez

The CBC has a story on its website about Headz Gamez Int'l.

The company was involved in sponsoring CASCAR Super Series teams and events in 2006.

From the CBC story:

"A megaproject promising to bring 1,500 factory jobs to Parrsboro appears to be in jeopardy.
Residents had been told their small town on the Minas Basin would be headquarters for a board game empire, but they learned Tuesday the project's champion has resigned.
(CBC)Headz Gamez International, which produces sports-themed board games, now says it's reviewing its Nova Scotia operations following the resignation of its president and majority owner, Kerry Martens."

... story continued at the link above.

ACT RETURNS TO CANADA

This is very interesting. Talk about "Back to the Future".
I'm hearing that people are being told that the former CASCAR Sportsman Series won't happen in 2007. One team owner said he's converting his operation to ACT. And now I can see why.

****************************
Waterbury, VT – After a ten year absence, the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) will be returning to Canadian racing on a regular basis in 2007. With the recent announcement of an ACTion Super Series race at Ontario’s Kawartha Speedway, and the finalization of negotiations with Quebec race teams and promoters north of the border, the Vermont-based group has announced it will manage and administer the very popular and successful Quebec Late Model Série in 2007.
Quebec racing is deeply rooted in northern New England stock car history. “La Belle Province” has produced many notable competitors, including the great Jean-Paul Cabana, André Many, Marcel Goddard, and Claude Aubin, among others, who were mainstays at the former Catamount Stadium (Milton, VT) and Thunder Road (Barre, VT) in the 1960s. Quebec racing at Vermont tracks and at Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway continued with Quebec City’s Langis Caron, while Claude Leclerc and Roger Laperle from the Montreal area, and a host of drivers, were among the foundation of the ACT Pro Stock Tour years later.
Nearly 30 “new breed” Quebec racers and teams attending a recent organizational meeting in Drummondville, Qc learned that ACT will promote and manage the Quebec Late Model Série next year. ACT president Tom Curley said, “We feel very lucky to be able to work with many old friends and some new young talent. Donald Forte, in cooperation with the Quebec promoters did a very good job establishing this touring series. Our job is to help make it grow and have a lot of fun along the way. The Quebec Late Model Series fits our regional business plan perfectly. Universal rules, inexpensive race costs and affordable ticket prices will be our goal in Quebec, just like in New England.”
ACT has formed a 12-race schedule for the coming season that will compete at five venues. Included on the card will be two very popular ACTion Super Series events. The Series will open at Ralph Nason’s Autodrome Montmagny Speedway, a 3/8ths mile high-banked oval in May and close with the Cari-all 300 at the historic Autodrome St-Eustache near Montreal, a 4/10ths mile oval owned by former champion, Claude Aubin. Also on the docket will be stops at Autodrome Circuit Chaudiere, a track that ACT’s Curley consulted on, which is a favorite of fans and race teams. The 5/8ths mile Autodrome Ste-Croix, located near Quebec City, will host a pair of Quebec Late Model Série events as well as an ACTion Super Series race. Ontario’s Capital City Speedway, which has also introduced the ACT Late Model rules package, will hold the lone event outside the province. The second ACTion Super Series race will be at Aubin’s Autodrome St-Eustache.
Claude Leclerc, a 30+ year racing veteran was pleased with the information he heard at the meeting, “Saturday was a great day for Quebec racing. Tom Curley presented a good schedule and very good purses. It will be good for every driver. Having ACT will bring stability, a good foundation – Tom has been in the business for over 30 years and his plans aren’t just for the short term,” the Montreal-based driver finished.
“We are very proud that ACT is coming to Quebec,” affirmed Donald Theetge of Boischatel, near Quebec City. “The rules will put everyone on the same playing field, which will allow us to race across the Northeast without changing the car. Now I can go to Oxford for the `250’ and the ACT Tour race at Kawartha. I’ve raced at Kawartha and it’s a great track,” said the 2006 Quebec Series Champion.
Daniel Bergeron of St. Benoit, Quebec was planning to run a couple of ACT Tour events next year, but with the organization’s recent announcement that it will return to Quebec in 2007, he’s changing his plans, “I think I’m going to stay closer to home,” the 40 year-old driver stated. “The meeting was very informative, and the schedule’s good, as are the rules which will allow me the chance to run against other drivers in some of the big races in the US.”
Louis Larue, president of RPQ, the Quebec Late Model driver’s organization echoed the competitor’s thoughts, “We are very proud to have ACT here in the province of Quebec. Tom Curley has over 35 years of knowledge in the sport and having him bring this to our racing is a positive move.”

Schedule - Quebec Late Model Série
# Date Day Track Event
1 May 19 Sat Autodrome Montmagny Montmagny 100
2 May 26 Sat Autodrome St-Eustache Ste Eustache 100
3 June 9 Sat Capital City Speedway Ottawa 100
4 June 16 Sat Autodrome Montmagny Montmagny 100
5 June 23/24 Sa/Su Circuit Ste-Croix Ste Croix 200 (ACT/Que Combo Super Series)
6 June 29 Fri Autodrome Chaudiere Chaudiere 100
7 July 24 Tue Circuit Ste-Croix Ste-Croix 100 (4 x 25)
8 July 28 Sat Autodrome St-Eustache Ste Eustache 200 (ACT/Que Combo Super Series)
9 Aug 11 Sat Circuit Ste-Croix Ste-Croix 100
10 Aug 17 Fri Autodrome Chaudiere Chaudiere 100
11 Aug 25/26 Sa/Su Autodrome Montmagny Montmagny 250
12 Sep 22/23 Sa/Su Autodrome St-Eustache Ste Eustache Cari-all 300
Subject to change

Bobby Allison making an appearance in Ancaster, Ontario on Dec. 1

The Ancaster News has a story containing the news that legendary NASCAR driver Bobby Allison will make a promotional appearance at a store in Ancaster, Ontario on Friday, Dec. 1.

McIntosh's open-wheel talents continue to shine in Europe

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Tuesday 21 November, 2006 - Vancouver's Sean McIntosh relished another successful season abroad as he raced his way to a sixth place finish in the 2006 World Series by Renault. Once again, he was Canada's sole open-wheel racing representative competing in Europe, Formula One's proving ground, were he tackled legendary circuits such as Monaco, Le Mans and Spa-Francorchamps, not to mention 29 equally ambitious international rivals, along the way.

McIntosh's debut in the World Series by Renault followed two decorated seasons in the United Kingdom where he showcased his talents outside North America for the first time by winning the 2004 'Graduate Cup' for top rookie driver in the Formula Renault UK Championship before multiple wins and a championship challenge followed in 2005.

It was a natural progression for the 21-year-old to remain in Renault's open-wheel development ladder in 2006. Following his 2005 Formula Renault UK season, McIntosh proved his talents with more powerful equipment over the 2005-2006 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport winter season, notably with a victory for A1 Team Canada. A move into the World Series by Renault with the Belgian-based KTR squad duly followed. The Canadian would this time be testing his skills with a 425bhp Formula Renault 3.5 single-seater car.

"We set out at the beginning of the year to try and finish in the top-ten at the very minimum and hopefully get a few podiums and possibly a win," McIntosh reflected. "I was disadvantaged by not having had any winter testing with my new team. So, heading into the first pre-season tests in March and April, I was on the back foot a little and it's a big step going from the Formula Renault 2.0-litre car to the 3.5-litre World Series car. That said, looking back at the end of the season, to come away as the highest ranked Formula Renault 2.0-litre graduate is pretty pleasing as the competition level was exceptionally high."

"I'd definitely class 2006 as a successful season for me," he continued. "I scored a couple of podiums and took my first pole at the final round in Barcelona. It would be easy to say that I should have scored a couple of wins at Donington, and if it hadn't been for one or two other issues we could have ended up fighting for a championship as I was a regular top-five runner. But, at the end of the day others could argue the exact same thing. More important to me is the fact that I showed I was quick throughout the season and was capable of competing successfully at this level."

Acknowledging his time served racing in the United Kingdom proved useful as a foundation for stepping up into the World Series by Renault, one of Sean's biggest challenges was learning eight new European circuits with England's Donington Park the only track he'd experienced prior to the start of the season.

Recalling this Sean remarked, "My two seasons competing in the UK were undoubtedly a great learning experience but the venues we raced at weren't necessarily on the same level as the ones I had to face up to this season. You definitely step up when you start racing at places like Monaco, Nurburgring, Spa and Barcelona. I grew up watching races at these circuits on television so to get the chance to actually race on them was fantastic but each time out I was faced with the challenge of having to learn the track. I've done it so many times now that it's not something I let bother me but you could see how comfortable I was when we raced at Donington in England, I was on the pace immediately as I knew the track well from my time in the UK."

Sean's rookie season in the World Series by Renault netted two podium finishes, the first being a second place finish in Round 5 at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium back in July, followed later by a third place finish in Round 9's season-finale in Barcelona, Spain at the end of October.

In addition the young Canadian scored a total of ten top-ten finishes and one pole position on his way to sixth overall in the Driver Standings, the World Series title going to Comtec Racing's sophomore driver, Alx Danielsson from Sweden.

On the highs and lows of his season Sean mused, "The highlight for me was definitely my pole position in Barcelona. We should have had pole at Donington Park but that didn't work out but Spain was sweeter as it came on the last lap of the last qualifying session of the season. It was a great feeling mirrored by my drive through to second place and my first podium finish at Spa. The final race in Barcelona was similarly pleasing as I had secured sixth in the standings and rounded out the season with another podium."

He continued, "The lowest part of the season was definitely Donington Park as I should have been on the front row of the grid but a fuel calculation error in qualifying cost me the position and I was forced to race my way from the back of the field. I still proved something with the pace of the car during the race but we know that was a weekend where I could have won. Other low points include being taken out by other drivers but there's nothing you can do about that unfortunately."

"I think I learned how to work with the team a little bit more," McIntosh commented on what he's taken from the 2006 season. "I was obviously comfortable with Team Firstair who I ran with for two seasons in the UK before joining KTR this year. With a new team you've got to start again and perhaps learn to deal with people differently. When racing in Europe, you're also faced with the challenge of people speaking different languages and so on."

"It was a great experience for me and on top of that I think I learned how to develop the car even more, a fact definitely reflected in my performances over the second half of the season. I had a car that really suited my style of driving and I think that came from the relationship I developed with the team and in particular with my engineer Paul Heath. Europe's a very competitive proving ground and you've got to learn to take care of yourself!"

Proud to be flying the maple leaf flag in European open-wheel racing, McIntosh's talents have been noted on both sides of the Atlantic, something he takes pride from but won't allow him to sit back and take it easy as he continues his rise through the ranks.

"I think when I first raced in England people there didn't have any expectations but I proved over in Formula Renault that I could compete and belonged to be there. I had earned respect and so when it came to moving up into the World Series this year people were already aware of what I could do based on my accomplishments in the UK as well as A1GP. I was more of a known quantity when I graduated to European competition this season!"

"The main thing is that if you're quick, it doesn't really matter where you're from. But from a pride perspective it's satisfying to be doing a good job as a Canadian and importantly to have people back in Canada recognise what I'm trying to accomplish over in Europe. Moving up to the highest level of motor racing could be political but the important thing for me is to keep pushing and to win races wherever I compete next season!"

Chinese Double Score for A1 Team Canada's Hinchcliffe

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Sunday November 12, 2006 - A1 Team Canada's James Hinchcliffe endured a fast but frustrating third round of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Beijing, China Sunday as the 19-year-old from Toronto added to the team's points tally with fourth and tenth place finishes in the Sprint and Feature races with the fastest race lap, and bonus point, also going to the Canadian charger.

With the grid for Sunday morning's 20-minute Sprint race based on Saturday's limited practice session, following vital track modifications to the Beijing street circuit, Hinchcliffe found himself taking the start in fourth. The tight nature of the Jingkai track in the Olympic city was never going to lend itself to spectacular overtaking and as expected the Sprint race proved to be a static affair as the 22 Nation field finally unleashed their identical 550bhp V8-powered A1GP racing machines. Hinchcliffe held fourth to score three more points for Canada, his third straight points-scoring performance, with pole-sitter Jeroen Bleekemolen winning for A1 Team Netherlands ahead of Mexico's Salvador Duran and Italy's Enrico Toccacelo.

The Feature race saw Hinchcliffe climb into podium contention early in proceedings, taking the third spot as the Mexican entry floundered. As soon as the pit window opened on lap 20 the front-runners pitted with the exception of Canada who opted to stay out and build up an advantage over the rest of the field. Unfortunately for Hinchcliffe, almost as soon as he assumed the lead two safety car periods in quick succession denied him the opportunity to streak too far away or similarly pit for a fresh set of tires. When the track finally returned to green James put pedal to the metal but the advantage lay with Holland in fourth having already stopped followed by a string of similarly placed cars. This failed to halt Hinchcliffe's stunning pace demonstration and he duly set the fastest lap of the race on lap 39.

Finally relinquishing the lead on lap 50, the end of the pit window, James pitted and rejoined 11th. He quickly climbed to eighth and with some final drama he was looking good to rebound and score a potential top-five finish following the retirements of Holland, Germany and Malaysia until he in turn found himself hitting the wall following a close last-lap dice with France's Nicolas Lapierre. Classified tenth at the checkered flag, with a point for position and another for fastest lap, there was some consolation for the young Canadian after another eventful A1GP race. Enrico Toccacelo scored the Feature win for Italy, in doing so becoming the fifth nation this season to triumph, with Great Britain's Oliver Jarvis in second and Australia's Karl Reindler wrapping the podium celebrations in third.

"I'm super disappointed," stated Hinchcliffe at the end of the Feature. "It was a good race and we're unfortunate to be in the position, like Brno last time out, where we led lots of laps but haven't finished on the podium. I really had the hammer down to try and build an advantage but we were caught out by the safety periods. I thought France had a problem at the end and was letting me go as I ran wide but he started to race me again and I found myself out on the marbles and into the wall. It's frustrating but overall we showed great pace today and that's encouraging for the future!"

Round 4 of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport takes place in two weeks time, Friday 24th - Sunday 26th November, at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia - www.a1gp.com.

A1GP Nations Standings after Round 3/12: 1st Mexico (24), 2nd Germany (22), 3rd Great Britain (20), 4th Italy (19), 5th Malaysia (17), 6th Canada (16)

McIntosh Ninth Fastest for Canada in Malaysian A1GP Qualifying

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Saturday 25 November, 2006 - Sean McIntosh ensured A1 Team Canada kept its top-ten qualifying record intact Saturday as he posted the ninth fastest aggregate lap time at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia ahead of Round 4 of the 12-round 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, starting with Sunday morning's 20-minute Sprint race.

McIntosh (21), competing for A1 Team Canada for the first time this season, was keen to keep the team's streak of top-ten starts going following James Hinchcliffe's excellent qualifying performances in the Canadian car over the opening rounds in Holland, the Czech Republic and China. The 21-year-old from Vancouver failed to disappoint as he reacquainted himself with the 550bhp, V8-powered A1GP car that he drove to victory in Indonesia in the inaugural A1GP Championship last season.

Straight out on a brand new set of tires for the first of four timed runs, the fastest two being used to set the aggregate qualifying time and the grid order for Sunday's Sprint race, McIntosh lapped the 5.54km Sepang International Circuit in 1m 53.142s. His next lap would be faster as he made the most of another set of new tires to post a time of 1m 52.210s, the sixth fastest lap of the second session.

Sean's third run, and final outing on fresh rubber, was less fruitful as he admitted he might have pushed a little too hard for the lap, setting a 1m 53.424s, ninth fastest from the 22-strong field of nations. The Canadian's last run of the session, this time on old tires, was a competitive 1m 53.398s and a faster lap than his previous one. With his first two laps being the fastest of the four, and therefore forming his aggregate lap time of 3m 45.352s, McIntosh ended Saturday's qualifying session ninth overall to secure a top-ten grid slot for Sunday's Sprint race. Pole went to Switzerland's Neel Jani with New Zealand's Jonny Reid lining up alongside on the front-row for the rolling start.

Encouraged to be starting 13 spots higher up the grid from last season's rain-soaked A1GP qualifying session in Malaysia, McIntosh's competitive edge meant he was still left wanting more. "The car certainly had pace today," he commented. "I didn't get the best from my first set of tires but the second run was more promising. The track had warmed up by the third outing and I probably pushed a little too hard. I didn't come here to qualify ninth, I wanted to be higher than that on my return with the team but compared to last season's start position at Sepang it's a definite improvement!"

A1GP Round 4 Qualifying - Aggregate time from two fastest laps
1. Switzerland - Neel Jani - 3:43.014
2. New Zealand - Jonny Reid - 3:43.305
3. Germany - Nico Hülkenberg - 3:43.381
4. Great Britain - Robbie Kerr - 3:43.941
5. China - Congfu Cheng - 3:44.884
6. Netherlands - Jeroen Bleekemolen - 3:44.932
7. Malaysia - Alex Yoong - 3:45.068
8. South Africa - Adrian Zaugg - 3:45.238
9. CANADA - SEAN MCINTOSH - 3:45.352
10. France - Nicolas Lapierre - 3:45.410

Sunday's 20-minute Sprint race starts at 11 am local time (10 pm EST Saturday) with the 70-minute Feature race starting at 3 pm in Malaysia (2 am EST Sunday). The races can be watched live in Canada or on demand later via the A1GP website - www.a1gp.com.

Samba spirit: Lobini H1

Brazil is justly famous for many things: football, mardi gras and some unusual hair cuts.

Sports cars don't feature high on the country's list of famous exports, even if you include the curious Volkswagen Puma of the 1970s.

Lobini of Sao Paulo is out to change that. Its lightweight H1 sports car is about the size of a Lotus Elise and shares the Brit's lightweight philosophy.

The simple chassis and fibreglass bodywork keep the weight down, while a 1.8-litre 20-valve turbocharged engine from VW and six-speed gearbox sit just behind the cockpit.

Lobini reckons its car will crack 0-62mph in six seconds and carry on to 150mph, and the firm also says the handling is up to Elise standards.

The H1 is on sale in the US with a price tag around $47,000 and there are plans to bring it to the UK at a cost of £31,995 from the beginning of 2007.

© Source: original article on topgear

Ford To Show 350-MPG Explorer Ute

LOS ANGELES — Ford Motor Co. will unveil a fuel-cell Explorer this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show that it claims can travel more miles on a single hydrogen fill-up than any fuel-cell vehicle on the road.

The Explorer has the hydrogen fuel tank mounted in the center of the vehicle so the tank can be larger and deliver more miles — 350 — on a single fill-up than other fuel-cell vehicles, Ford claims. In addition, the location of the tank allows for the six-passenger seating and same cargo capacity as on today's Explorer. It is also equipped with an advanced electric all-wheel-drive system.

In the past year, the Explorer has been driven 17,000 miles at Ford's Dearborn, Michigan, test facility. Ford says the fuel-cell Explorer also set a new record for the most miles traveled in a 24-hour period in a fuel-cell vehicle — 1,556.

The fuel-cell Explorer is the first of a series of prototype vehicles to be built for the U.S. Department of Energy to determine if hydrogen propulsion is feasible. The fuel-cell Explorer is one of several vehicles with green technology that Ford will have at the show. Others will be the new 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, the PZEV emissions compliant Ford Fusion and Ford Focus and the 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty with Ford Clean Diesel Technology.

Ford's Explorer won't be the only vehicle at the show that runs on hydrogen. BMW will show the Hydrogen 7, a hydrogen-powered version of the 7 Series.

© Source: original article on insideline

Skoda Roomster Scout Debuts

MLADA BOLESLAV, Czech Republic — Skoda, the Czech affiliate of the Volkswagen Group, continues to pursue its own course in design and product development.

Frequently accused of simply mimicking many of the parent's vehicles, Skoda finally is beginning to display some fresh thinking, particularly with its Roomster series.

The latest addition to this Czech soft-roader is the front-wheel-drive Roomster Scout, which is a bit larger than the basic model, with some unique styling elements. It follows on the heels of the Octavia Scout sedan that was launched in September at the Paris show.

The Roomster Scout is making its world debut at the Essen Motor Show and goes on sale next March in Europe. The Roomster adds sporty 16-inch wheels and tires, as well as other exterior and interior trim modifications intended to give it more of a sporting look.

A choice of gas and diesel engines is available. The top power plant is a DOHC 1.6-liter gasoline four-cylinder that makes 103 horsepower and can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed Tiptronic transmission

© Source: original article on insideline

End of an Nisssan Alm-era

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and good riddance to the Nissan Almera.
After six years of skirting the Valley of Death, Nissan's Grim Reapers have finally done the decent thing and killed off the Almera.

Not a moment too soon either for this bland hatch that, yea, lived in the shadow of the Ford Focus.

Amazingly, Nissan managed to churn out 639,000 Almeras from its Sunderland plant, so at least it kept British workers going.

But now the scythe of time has taken the Almera's head, and gone too is the Primera, which dies a whimpering death in the UK even though Nissan's Sunderland factory still makes them for foreign markets.

Still, new life is being breathed into Nissan's northeast factory with production of the Note and Qashqai.

© Source: original article on topgear