Autocar first to get a crack at wheeltime in the Lexus LF-A. Sort of.

Toyota has never publicly confirmed whether it will actually produce the LF-A, although britain's Autocar now reports that the super-Lexus will go on sale in October at a price estimated at £250,000, or nearly half a million dollars.





It seems as if Lexus has been working on the LF-A supercar forever. Or at least six years. It's been shown in three different concept forms, including a convertible, at auto shows since 2005 and it has twice participated in the Nürburgring 24.

　

Like the race car, the road car will weigh 1500kg – the rollcage and racing kit weight the same as a road car interior. That means 550bhp and 1500kg, which means 366.6bhp per tonne, only a fraction less than the 373bhp per tonne of the Ferrari 599. So it’s quick, then, with a capital Q.

Down the back straight it feels a) very, very quick beyond 5000rpm, b) sounds absolutely fantastic at 8300rpm, and c) accelerates so violently towards the still soaking wet horizon that it’s not long before I bale out and brush the brakes, at which point it becomes equally obvious how well it stops.





The V10 apparently really comes to life above 5,000 rpm. If (and that's a really big if) the LF-A is produced, it might only be a limited run of 500 units. Given Toyota's losses and the current economic environment, it's anyone's guess whether it'll happen, but we may find out at the Tokyo Motor Show this fall. Hat tip to RDS

More Photos

UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition

American fans of Nissan's fantastic new 370Z can order their cars in Chicane Yellow, but up until now, their counterparts in Blighty have been out of luck if they've wanted a sunburst Z of their own. Until now.


That's because Nissan UK has cooked up a special new limited-edition (if unimaginatively named) 370Z Yellow.



Nissan assures that there will be a "strictly limited volume" of Yellows for sale in the UK, with "exclusivity guaranteed." But tellingly, perhaps, the company isn't divulging just how many it plans to produce in the model's press release (available after the jump). If you're interested, prepare to shell out £31,650 (nearly $52,000 USD)
for a six-speed manual or £33,050 for the automatic (just over $54,000 USD – as usual, bear in mind the UK's comparatively inflated pricing structure for new cars).


Apparently inspired by the Japanese automaker's European GT4 series racers, all Yellows will receive 19-inch forged RAYS alloys, a black leather and suede interior, along with illuminated door sill plates, special floor mats, and so on. Did we mention the bespoke lower body graphics? They remind us of less subtle, billboard-sized versions of the graphics packages on certain Porsche 911s.
via:autoblog




PRESS RELEASE:

2 July 2009

LATEST 370Z PUTS OTHER COUPES IN THE SHADE

* Stunning new paint job for special version of Nissan's affordable supercar, the 370Z
* Exclusivity guaranteed: strictly limited volume to be available in the UK
* Forged alloys, race car cues, black leather and suede interior
* It's Yellow

It's already the one bright spot in the affordable sports car market, but now Nissan is going for gold with a special version of the storming 370Z coupe. Not for shrinking violets, the new 370Z Yellow lives up to its name in spectacular fashion.

Ultimate Yellow is the paint job and it signals a 370Z with everything that people expect of the 331PS sportster along with a rare exclusivity – there will be a limited number of Yellows available – and a potent visual impact that takes the 370Z's muscular looks to new heights. Some cars were just born to be yellow.

The 370Z Yellow gets design cues that nod at the racing 370Zs from the European GT4 series. The wheels are 19-inch RAYS forged alloys and along the flanks are special 370Z graphics, both items setting off the gleaming yellow body to perfection.

Inside the contrast could not be greater: the theme here is black leather and suede. There's an integrated satellite navigation system, illuminated entry plates, special mats and a BOSE audio with eight speakers and a six-CD autochanger. The sophistication continues with heated seats, cruise control, speed limiter and all the other features from the 370Z GT Pack on which the special Yellow model is based.

The 370Z Yellow is, like all the new-generation versions of this world famous sports car dynasty, powered by an enthusiast's delight of a V6 engine. It pumps out 331PS at 7000rpm backed up by a meaty 270lb ft of pulling power.

With a six-speed manual box (a seven-speed automatic is optional), the Yellow sprints from rest to 62mph in 5.3sec and goes on to a restricted top speed of 155mph. A synchronised rev control during downchanges reminds you just how good the engine sounds – even when just trundling to the shops.

The Yellows for the UK are available from all participating Nissan dealers but definitely from all High Performance Centres where its big brother the GT-R is exclusively sold. The first cars will be available from September with prices from £31,650 (manual gears) or £33,050 (automatic).

Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series

After attending the second event of the 2008 Lotus Challenge Series last May, we were convinced the up-start had potential. Lotus Cars USA seems to agree and has become the title sponsor for the 2009 season.


In its inaugural year, the series stuck to California for six of its events, along with two races at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. For 2009, the campaign is expanding to ten events in the western US, including stints at Laguna Seca and Infineon, with four more events planned in Texas.


The series – part track day and part time-attack – brings together Lotus enthusiasts of all stripes, divides the field according to experience level and vehicle model/modifications, and sets them loose for a weekend of down-and-dirty track action. You can get all the details, along with the 2009 schedule, in the press release after the break, and check out the Lotus Challenge website to sign up for any of the 2009 events.
More Photos

Michael Schumacher latest to be revealed as 'The Stig'

Michael Schumacher was unmasked as the BBC car programme Top Gear's mysterious 'The Stig' on tonight’s episode of the long-running show. The enigmatic

The identity of the white-clad driver is kept a closely gauarded secret, but Schumacher, who was Formula One world drivers' champion seven times, finally revealed himself in the first of a new series of the show on Sunday night.

Asked by host Jeremy Clarkson to take off his helmet, The Stig reluctantly obliged, revealing F1's now 40-year-old seven time world champion Schumacher. Clarkson
jokingly asked the famous German what his name was before he became famous as The Stig, but Schumacher answered: "You have to have some secrets".

Former Formula One driver Perry McCarthy was Top Gear's original Stig, who dressed all in black during the first two series.

via:motorauthority

From the stands: 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans Driver Parade

The Driver Parade at the 24 Hours of Le Mans combines the world's finest cars and top driving talent. It's a veritable wonderland for motorsports geeks, and with tens of thousands of people packed into the city's central square (think McQueen's entrance at the opening of Le Mans), next to the race itself, it's the biggest highlight of the weekend.


The parade kicked off with some varied exotic hotness, including appearances by a Caparo T1, Zenvo ST1, Tramontana R and the GTbyCitroen concept, the latter creating a glorious noise as it drove past the grandstand. Sprinkled in with the teams, drivers, awards and marching bands were a number of oddities and classics, including an appearance by the GT40 owner's club, the European Corvette club and, surprisingly, a crew of about 40 Harley-Davidsons – and that was just in the first 20 minutes of the two-hour event. Check out the massive, 100+ image gallery below to get a feel for the festivities.
More Photos

2009 24 Hours of Le Mans: The best (pit) seat in the house

We've been bouncing all over the track since late yesterday morning, but a little after 2 AM we found our new favorite spectator spot – directly above the Audi pits. The speed, skill and – in typical German fashion – efficiency of the Audi crew is unmatched at Le Mans, but lighting quick fuel stops and deft tire swaps are only part of the equation. And Audi is having a difficult time filling in the numbers.


McNish might make it to sunrise on his current stint, but the No. 8 Peugeot was breathing down his neck before coming in for a driver change, so there's a distinct possibility that Sarrazin could overtake the Scot for the second spot. If you're getting the impression that Audi may have overestimated its abilities, you're not alone. But we're only at the cusp of the halfway point, and as history shows, Audi shines when the heat is on.


After an achingly long spell in the garage, the No. 3 Audi R15 is 42 laps behind the race leader, placing 44th overall and dashing any hopes of a triumphant comeback. So with the No. 2 Audi out altogether, the No. 1 R15 is the sole Audi fighting it out with the three seemingly (and just recently) unflappable Peugeots for a top spot.


As for the rest of the field, the No. 31 LMP2 Team Essex Porsche Spyder is maintaining a commanding three-lap lead over the No. 5 Navi Team Goh Spyder, while the three C6.R Corvettes maintain a steady pace taking the top three spots in GT1. For the rest of the rankings, check out Le Mans' official time page and if you're following along at home, turn down the volume on SpeedTV and tune into Radio Le Mans for some of the best commentary around. We're off to find a Grand Marnier crepe and see what kind of debauchery is taking place outside the paddocks.
Source:autoblog

Ford to furnish 2010 Mustang body-in-white for racers

Ford will start taking orders for the shells starting in mid-July and running through the fall. In order to avoid having to carry inventory, the shells will be built in batch in late fall and then delivered in December.


At today's third annual Ford Racing Invitational at Milan Dragway in Michigan, the automaker announced the availability of a new body-in-white based on the 2010 Mustang. The bare body shells will be available to racers looking to build Mustangs for all kinds of classes.


In addition, a variety of interior trim kits and wiring kits will be available to meet the needs of racers depending on the rules of the class they compete in. Ford is planning to offer the shells annually for at least the next several years based on the same schedule of orders in mid-year and deliveries in December.
via:autoblog

VIDEO: Ferrari Chairman to start 2009 Le Mans 60 years after first Ferrari win

This Saturday in France, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo will be on hand to give the drivers the starting order for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Montezemolo's presence will help commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first win by a Ferrari at the French endurance classic. In 1949 Luigi Chinetti and Lord Selsdon drove a 166 MM Barchetta to overall victory.

Since then Ferrari entries have taken the overall checkered flag eight other times along with numerous class wins, including last year when Risi Competizione won GT2 in an F430. Ten of those F430s will be running this weekend.
via:autoblog

　

　

PRESS RELEASE:

The 166 MM, the first Ferrari winning at Le Mans in the year 1949, at Maranello's Galleria Ferrari.

The words of Chairman Montezemolo, who, on 13th June, will start the legendary race, 60 years after the first win of the Prancing Horse.

Maranello, June 6th 2009 – The 77th edition of the Le Mans 24 Hour Race is to have a high profile guest starter. At 15.00 on June 13th next, in fact, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo will give the official start signal for the most prestigious endurance race in the motor racing world.

Mr Montezemolo was invited to Le Mans by Automobile Club de l'Ouest President Jean-Claude Plassart to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first of Maranello's nine overall 24 Hour Race victories, which came courtesy of the 166 MM of Luigi Chinetti and Lord Selsdon in 1949.

"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to start a race that has made motor racing history and has such strong links with Ferrari. Our Scuderia has delivered some unforgettable achievements on this circuit," declared Montezemolo. "The Le Mans 24 Hour Race is synonymous with technologically-advanced sporting competition and has always been a focus of great attention on our part."

In addition to the nine overall wins clocked up between 1949 and 1965 (the latter thanks to Jochen Rindt and Masten Gregory in the 250 LM), Ferrari has also taken numerous class victories in the French race, the most recent of which was delivered in 2008 by the F430 GT of the Risi Competizione team. A total of 10 Maranello berlinettas will be lined out at the start by eight private teams on June 13th this year.

Also on hand at the circuit will be the GES Director Stefano Domenicali, a further demonstration of Maranello's continuing interest in this classic race. In his role as Chairman of the FIAT Group, Montezemolo will also be marking another special anniversary at Le Mans as it was 40 years ago, in September 1968, that the late Gianni Agnelli also started the Le Mans 24 Hour Race.

Ford Fiesta Rallycross heads to Pike's Peak Hill Climb

Ford's new Fiesta won’t be arriving in local showrooms until early next year, but the company is pulling out all the stops to promote the stylish compact with various motorsport and social marketing campaigns to build excitement. To further this, the Blue Oval recently announced a goal to get 100,000 people to test-drive the new Fiesta before the North American production version is released, and now the company has announced that its Rallycross racing version will tackle the arduous Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb on July 19.


Andreas Eriksson, 35, is a four-time Swedish rally champion, with multiple Rallycross victories, and Marcus Gr0nholm, 41, is one of World Rallying’s greatest drivers, with two world championships and 30 WRC victories on his resume.


Backing two separate cars will be Sweden’s Olsberg Motor Sport Evolution, headed by Andreas Eriksson. The two Fiestas will be driven by Eriksson and rally legend Marcus Gronholm in the Unlimited Class, and the duo are hoping to be the first team to break the 10-minute mark over the 12.4-mile, 156-turn pavement and gravel course.


Expected to cost less than $15,000 when it arrives early next year, the North American-spec Fiesta will differ slightly from its European counterpart. First and foremost will be the introduction of a sedan variant, although the hatchback will also be offered. Production will be handled at Ford's assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.



The Pike's Peak International Hill Climb event itself dates back to 1916, and is the second oldest motorsport event in America, taking its name from the famous mountain peak that towers above Colorado Springs in the Rocky Mountains. Ford has been involved with the event since the very first race in 1916, when four Ford-powered cars competed. In 1922, Ford scored its first victory when Noel Bullock raced a 50hp (37kW) Ford Special, nicknamed “Tin Lizzy”, to a surprise victory in the time of 19m 50.9s.
Source:motorauthority

Manthey-Porsche Celebrates Record Win in the twenty-four Hours of Nurburgring

Team lead by Olaf Manthey takes fourth consecutive title in a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR with 155 laps completed


Manthey-Racing has won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with four drivers taking their turns at the team's Porsche 911 GT3 RSR to take the prestigious title.


Manthey was beaming at his victory and gave credit to his drivers for the win. "I'm extremely proud of my drivers. I can't imagine a better line-up for the 24h race than Timo, Marc, Romain and Marcel," he said.


Placing second in the race was the team led by Christian Abt, ABT Sportsline, which came in one lap behind, at 154, with its Audi R8 LMS.


Drivers Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb, Romain Dumas and Marcel Tiemann won the ADAC Zurich 24-hour Race by completing 155 laps and taking the fourth consecutive title for team leader Olaf Manthey. The win was also a record-breaker for driver Marcel Tiemann, who now holds the title for the most 24-hour Nürburgring race wins with a total of five.


Of the top 10 teams, 7 were racing Porsches, 2 teams raced the Aud R8 LMS, and coming in tenth was the BMW Z4-M Coupe.

More Photos


Press Release

ADAC Zurich 24h Race: Manthey-Porsche celebrates record win in the 24h race

At the end of an epic battle in front of a huge crowd of 235,000 spectators, the record winners of the past three years also prevailed in the 37th edition of the ADAC Zurich 24h Race: Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb, Romain Dumas and Marcel Tiemann won the race with their Manthey-Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. With 155 laps completed in the ‘Green Hell', they crossed the finish line as winners, followed by Christian Abt, Jean-Francois Hemroulle, Pierre Kaffer and Lucas Luhr who finished runner-up, with their Abt Sportsline Audi R8 LMS. In a hard fought race, Team Principal Olaf Manthey celebrated his fourth consecutive win, thus adding another triumph to his unique streak of success. At the same time, Marcel Tiemann even celebrated his fifth Nürburgring 24h Race win and now is the most successful driver in the history of the classic endurance-racing event. Furthermore, the Manthey-Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S raced by Emmanuel Collard, Wolf Henzler, Richard Lietz and Dirk Werner also made it to the podium by finishing third.

"That's just fantastic," beamed Marcel Tiemann when the race at the Nürburgring was over. "Manthey Racing and I have made history, today. My fifth win! I just can't believe it. It means even more to me than my maiden Nürburgring 24h Race triumph. And it's another corner stone for me to have made it to the top position in the 24h-race record book." Team Principal Olaf Manthey returned the compliments of his most successful driver. "I'm extremely proud of my drivers. I can't imagine a better line-up for the 24h race than Timo, Marc, Romain and Marcel." At the same time, Manthey and Tieman also showed their opponents respect: "A compliment to Audi for the great performance," said Tiemann and his Team Principal added: "Prior to the race I had serious doubts if we would be able to defy the Audis. The more I'm delighted now about the fact that we succeeded in doing so and experienced such a successful race."

Manthey: "The most exciting 24h race of my career."

The Nürburgring crowds will remember the race action of the 37th ADAC Zurich 24h Race for a long time. The 37th edition of the endurance-racing classic started with a one-hour slipstream battle between the future winner, the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR #1, and the Reader-Team's Ford GT. The close battle of Manthey's first-stint driver Marc Lieb with pole-sitter Dirk Adorf at the wheel of the Ford ended only when the Ford made contact with a slower car while lapping it, spun and consequently dropped back. Soon afterwards, the Phoenix-Audi raced by Marc Basseng, Marcel Fässler, Mike Rockenfeller und Frank Stippler closed in on the Porsche and from that point in time, the two cars alternated as race leaders for the major part of the event. And when the GT3 Audi of the squad based at the Nürburgring dropped back due to a drive-shaft failure, it's sister car entered by Abt Sportsline took the runner-up position. At the end of the day, the extraordinary reliability of the Manthey squad's Porsche proved to be the key factor on the way to prevailing against their toughest opponents. "No doubt. This was the most exciting 24h race of my entire career," said Olaf Manthey when the event was over. And runner-up Christian Abt confirmed: "This has been my 11th 24h race but never ago it was contested at such a pace right from the start. It's the fifth time that I have finished runner-up. So, actually I'm just as consistent as Marcel - but with the difference that he always stood on the highest step of the podium. Compliments to Audi who have proven once again that they always deliver in great style, no matter where and in what kind of event."

Optimised regulations made for thrilling and safe motor racing

One of the reasons why this year's 24h race proved to be a true thriller were the new regulations that made for extraordinary competitiveness among the top teams. The cars classified in the top categories had to cope with restrictions and so, the newly allowed GT3 cars proved to be race-win contenders right away. "Our measures in this area proved to be a major success," said Race Director. "Rarely in the past had we witnessed that many potential race winners on the grid as this year." Apart from the successful Porsches and Audis, the likes of Nürburgring architect Hermann Tilke and his team-mates also caused a stir by securing pole position with their gorgeous Ford GT - and by the stunning battle with the future winners in the opening stages of the race. "The Dodge Viper entered by the Mintgen Team as well as the Schubert- and Alpina BMWs also proved to be extremely competitive," added Hornung. "Temporarily, the top ten positions were held by four different brands." Another rule change proved to also have been a good step: from this year, the categories for the smallest cars are no longer allowed to compete in the 24h race. Walter Hornung: "This resulted in clearly smaller race-speed differences on the track and - consequently - in increased safety. We are happy that the number of accidents was clearly lower than in the past years."

37. ADAC Zurich 24h Rennen - RENNEN - Gesamtwertung

Rang	Startnr.	Fahrzeug	Fahrer	Runden	Gesamtzeit	Rückstand
1	1	Porsche 911 GT3 RSR	Bernhard Timo , Lieb Marc , Dumas Romain , Tiemann Marcel	155	24:05:01.412
2	97	Abt Audi R8 LMS	Abt Christian , Hemroulle Jean-Francois , Kaffer Pierre , Luhr Lucas	154	24:01:50.529	1 Runde
3	2	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S	Collard Emmanuel , Henzler Wolf , Lietz Richard , Werner Dirk	152	24:08:27.446	3 Runden
4	18	Porsche 997 GT3 Cup	Alzen Uwe , Bert Sascha , Arnold Lance David , Mies Christopher	150	24:02:07.807	5 Runden
5	99	Audi R8 LMS	Basseng Marc , Fässler Marcel , Rockenfeller Mike , Stippler Frank	149	24:01:50.600	6 Runden
6	3	Porsche 997	Schmitz Sabine , Abbelen Klaus , Dr. Althoff Edgar , Heyer Kenneth	149	24:04:25.218	6 Runden
7	4	Porsche 911 GT3	Kräling Frank , Gindorf Marc , Scharmach Peter , Holzer Marco	149	24:04:57.411	6 Runden
8	123	Porsche 997 Cup S	Bermes Heinz-Josef , Kainz Oliver , Schmickler Frank , Bergmeister Jörg	148	24:04:38.565	7 Runden
9	29	Porsche 997 RSR	Quinn Anthony , Quinn Klark , Baird Craig , Denyer Grant	146	24:04:24.477	9 Runden
10	69	BMW Z4-M Coupe	Adams Rudi , Ludwig Luca , Meier Arnd , Grossmann Markus	145	24:04:39.707	10 Runden
11	28	Nissan Z 33	Dumbreck Peter , Tanaka Tetsuya , Hoshino Kazuki , Schoysman Dirk	144	24:00:50.057	11 Runden
12	98	Audi R8 LMS	Stuck Hans-Joachim , Biela Frank , Pirro Emanuele , Fässler Marcel	144	24:01:50.519	11 Runden
13	24	Porsche 997 GT3 Cup	Schratz Michael , Herbst Jochen , de Bruijn Nick , Tsarev Evgeny	143	24:03:08.434	12 Runden
14	122	Porsche 997 GT3 Cup	Schmidt Peter , Schultis Mirco , Konopka Miro , Plesse Hannes	143	24:08:29.301	12 Runden
15	118	VW Scirocco	Johansson Jimmy , Gruber Florian , Thiim Nicki , Karlhofer Martin	142	23:58:33.040	13 Runden
16	38	Porsche 997 GT3 Cup	"König Peter" , Schlichenmeier Steffen , Meyer Jacques , Ecke Kurt	141	24:04:26.483	14 Runden
17	115	VW Scirocco GT24-CNG	Ickx Vanina , Klenke Thomas , Terting Peter , Niedzwiedz Klaus	140	23:57:23.570	15 Runden
18	34	Porsche 997 GT3	Krumbach André , Jacoma Ivan , Schlotter Harald , Fuchs Holger	140	24:08:29.500	15 Runden
19	107	Audi A3	Deegener Elmar , Wohlfahrt Jürgen , Breuer Christoph , Gass Hans Martin	139	24:00:02.164	16 Runden
20	116	VW Scirocco GT 24	Heger Altfrid , van Dam Carlo , Cheng Cong Fu , Mailleux Franck	139	24:00:46.109	16 Runden
21	7	Aston Martin V12 Vantage	Dr. Bez Ulrich , Poritt Chris , Meaden Richard , Mathai Oliver	139	24:02:14.372	16 Runden
22	23	Porsche 997 GT3 Cup	Moore Willie , Cameron Bill , Lockie Calum	138	24:01:57.000	17 Runden
23	100	Abt Audi R8 LMS	Scheider Timo , Werner Marco , Ekström Mattias , Luhr Lucas	137	24:01:50.577	18 Runden
24	54	BMW M3	Nacken Hubert , Leutheuser Christian , Frey Benedikt , Haase Christopher	136	23:56:03.182	19 Runden
25	140	BMW E90 620	Buchardt Anders , Tronrud Nils , Auriemma Michael , Mayes John	136	23:59:26.688	19 Runden
26	93	Porsche 997 Cup	Weiland Matthias , Dzikevic Andzej , Dr. Klein Michael , Feidt Antonine	136	24:02:20.409	19 Runden
27	26	BMW Alpina B6 GT3	Bovensiepen Andreas , Wirth Andreas , Engstler Franz , Bernhardt Patrick	135	23:59:09.554	20 Runden
28	138	BMW E90 320d	Akata Emin , Dinstühler Jürgen , Winkler Andreas , Schubert Torsten	135	24:05:21.232	20 Runden
29	137	BMW E87 120d	Thomsen Jacob , Nordeng Harald , Hemmersbach Dirk , Outzen Michael	135	24:05:23.801	20 Runden
30	53	BMW M3	de Thoisy Pierre , Depoix Thierry , Haezebrouck Philippe	134	24:01:13.126	21 Runden
31	9	Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24	Dr. Kolb Alexander , Karner Richard , Werndl Maximlian , Dr. Hoppelshäuser Olaf	134	24:05:20.261	21 Runden
32	89	Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X	Quadder Karsten , Nittel Uwe , Matsui Takao , Hagenmeyer Tobias	133	23:56:05.452	22 Runden
33	86	Subaru GRB	Shimizu Kazuo , Yoshida Toshihiro , Hattori Naoki , Matsuda Koji	133	24:01:47.115	22 Runden
34	173	BMW Z4	Unger Mathias , Zils Daniel , Ebertz Uwe , Schupp Timo	132	23:58:50.672	23 Runden
35	178	BMW M3	Rövenich Oliver , Bonk Peter , Silvester Wolf , Aust Stefan	132	24:01:10.845	23 Runden
36	8	Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24	Schuhbauer Wolfgang , Katsura Shinichi , von Saurma-Jeltsch Horst , Dr. Bez Ulrich	132	24:05:20.708	23 Runden
37	33	Porsche 996 GT3 Cup	Pernvall Christer , Lund Cleas , Andreasson Hans	132	24:08:30.719	23 Runden
38	96	BMW 135i	Möller-Sonntag Dierk , Naumann Guido , Scheibner Rolf , Grossmann Markus	132	24:11:30.068	23 Runden
39	81	BMW Compact	Neuser Ulrich , Nufer Nicky , Plentz Fabian , Nägele Dennis	131	23:59:36.939	24 Runden
40	188	BMW E46 M3	Willems Ralf , Rosenberg Maik , Baughan Andrew , Breslin Sean Paul	131	24:00:54.076	24 Runden
41	171	BMW M3	Gusenbauer Werner , Herwerth Andreas , Kathan Rainer , Schula Alexander	130	23:55:09.234	25 Runden
42	169	BMW M3	Mochanov Alex , Kruglik Andrij , Gayday Oleksandr , Basov Aleksey	130	24:00:45.732	25 Runden
43	176	BMW Z4	Schwerfeldt Daniel , Weijers Erik Peter , Swart Ron , Colell Marc	130	24:00:48.605	25 Runden
44	149	BMW 330d	Haider Thomas , Kutsch Rainer , Kraus Ralf , Jacobsen Christian	130	24:02:33.521	25 Runden
45	184	Porsche 996	Böttner Harald , Stukenbrock Hans , Poltera Marco	130	24:02:38.440	25 Runden
46	83	Audi A3	Waschkau Roland , Speich Rudi , Hormes Klaus	129	23:57:14.097	26 Runden
47	60	BMW M3 GT4	Müller Jörg , Priaulx Andy , Übler Jochen , Schurig Marcus	129	23:57:54.688	26 Runden
48	124	Porsche 997 Cup S	Schornstein Dieter , Karlsson Ulf , Thomas Mark J. , Kainz Oliver	129	24:03:27.733	26 Runden
49	148	BMW 335d GTR	Meyersrenken Henning , Haider Thomas , Schall Reinhard , Beckers Günter	128	24:00:05.516	27 Runden
50	175	BMW Z4 Coupe	Huber Reinhard , Pahlke Matthias , Rendlen Christoph , Rubatto Peter	128	24:01:40.307	27 Runden
51	119	Seat Leon Supercopa	Werner Klaus , Budde Michael , Kinzler Martin , Borkowsky Frank	128	24:05:18.496	27 Runden
52	164	BMW E46 325i	Eichhorn Michael , Botor Roland , Aust Frank	127	23:57:19.759	28 Runden
53	136	VW Golf 5 Tdi	Rattunde Eberhard , O´Reilly Maurice , Moore Wayne , Immig Heinrich	127	24:01:14.726	28 Runden
54	20	Aston Martin N24	Herreman Arnold , Dujardyn Kurt , Gohnissen Anton , Herreman Jean-Paul	127	24:05:20.761	28 Runden
55	142	BMW 120d	Palik László , Vida János , Walter Csaba , Wéber Gábor	126	24:05:22.013	29 Runden
56	48	BMW E46 M3	Povey Guy , Coomes Graham , Cribbin Denis , Shepherd Alan	126	24:08:28.051	29 Runden
57	180	BMW M3 GT	Packeisen Ulli , Cavallari Maurizio , Purtscher Richard	125	23:55:20.604	30 Runden
58	63	BMW E46 - M3	Tischner Michael , Becker Ulrich , Völker Klaus , Tischner Matthias	125	23:58:41.690	30 Runden
59	157	BMW E36 318is	Jestädt Michael , Derscheid Rolf , Flehmer Michael , Schlehecker Werner	125	24:02:48.377	30 Runden
60	160	Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5 16V	Hempel Frank , Pfledderer Hannes , Stecher Gunther	124	23:53:47.193	31 Runden
61	163	BMW E46 325i	Meyer Jürgen , Frey Uwe , Dittmann Titus , Dittmann Julius	124	24:04:21.021	31 Runden
62	76	Ford Mondeo	Dr. Ludmann Jens , Gagstatter Jürgen , Bühler Guido , Wölflick Stephan	123	23:57:43.253	32 Runden
63	57	BMW M3	Bardenheuer Reiner , Obermeier Friedrich , Obermeier Friedhelm , Schütt Hans	123	23:57:55.698	32 Runden
64	95	BMW 135i	Hofmayer Otto , Kroher Thomas , Gebhardt Christian , Leisen Philipp	123	24:06:35.778	32 Runden
65	121	Opel Astra GTC	Wolf Marco , Fritzsche Otto , Fritzsche Jürgen , Kissling Stefan	122	23:55:18.230	33 Runden
66	154	BMW 318is	Simon Thomas , Rumm Ronald , Willmann Karl-Heinz , Hoffmann Kornelius	122	23:59:42.940	33 Runden
67	52	BMW E46 M3 WTC	Schelp Marco , Kappeler Thomas , Molenaar Donald , Peyroles Arnaud	122	24:01:50.695	33 Runden
68	64	BMW M3	Ragazzi Roberto , Arlotti Beppe , Barbaro Bruno , Gini Fabrizio	122	24:05:22.091	33 Runden
69	162	BMW E90 325i	Böhm Alexander , Lebed Andrii , Riebetz Kai , Kamps Sebastian	121	23:52:17.022	34 Runden
70	152	BMW 318is	Memminger Günter , Memminger Stefan , Unterhuber Christoph	121	24:02:48.392	34 Runden
71	190	Honda Civic Type-R	Kuhlmann Frank , Gies Sascha , Janetzky Frank , Heitmann Thomas	121	24:05:13.940	34 Runden
72	161	BMW E90 325i	Knechtges Josef , Knechtges Carsten , Keller Mirko , Esch Sven	120	23:57:01.215	35 Runden
73	131	BMW 120d	Prewitt Hal , Briody Jim , Lassally Toto , Euser Cor	120	23:58:44.533	35 Runden
74	181	BMW M3 GT	Niemeier Gerd , Dr. Zumtobel Armin , Trinkl Erich , Neuhauser Hannes	120	23:58:59.733	35 Runden
75	61	BMW 130i	Shaw Ric , Borness Steve , Robson Anthony , Rubis Robert	120	24:04:30.955	35 Runden
76	49	BMW E46 M3	Maejima Kenichi , Yoshida Izumi , Kishimoto Hiroyuki , Bussmann Jürgen	120	24:09:18.506	35 Runden
76	901			2	16:23:37.232	16:05:50.807
77	193	Honda Civic Type-R	Corbett Mark , Greer Brent , Hicks Rod , Cockerton Dean	119	23:55:10.555	36 Runden
78	187	Mercedes-Benz SLK 350	Sing Eugen , Mihm Friedhelm , Heinrich Thomas	119	24:05:12.744	36 Runden
79	151	BMW 318 ti	Kögel Lutz , Burghardt Axel , Hovenjürgen Aldo , Möntmann Andreas	118	23:54:08.935	37 Runden
80	11	Audi RS4	Booth Andy , Martin Timothy , Owers Stuart , Scott Lewis	118	24:02:35.878	37 Runden
81	16	Lexus IS F	"Morizo" , Naruse Hiromu , Takaki Minoru , Katsumata Yoshinobu	117	24:00:44.845	38 Runden
82	103	Honda Civic Type-R	Weber Wolfgang , Meier Mario , Bermes Heinz-Josef , Plenagel Alexander	116	23:54:41.421	39 Runden
83	156	Renault Clio RS	Delvaux Jacky , Marin Rene , Beulen Bruno , Haugg Wolfgang	116	23:56:31.155	39 Runden
84	102	Honda Civic Type-R	Schäfer Sebastian , Eichner Christian , Imholz Michael , Cohausz Dirk	114	23:52:10.841	41 Runden
85	192	Honda Civic Type-R	Mc Govern Brian , Lowery Jeffray , Taylor Alistair , Dr. Taylor Gregory	114	23:59:41.243	41 Runden
86	153	BMW 318is	Krell Sebastian , Keller Marco , Krell Jörg , Kurowski Jörg	114	24:01:48.014	41 Runden
87	14	Lexus LF-A	"Morizo" , Quiros Javier , Kinoshita Takayuki , Iida Akira	114	24:02:44.198	41 Runden
88	27	Porsche 997 GT3 Cup	Horn David , Illbruck Michael , Horn Hans-Georg , Ried Christian	114	24:03:08.478	41 Runden
89	186	BMW E46 M3	Reich Uwe , Schnitzler Ralf , Caron Christian , von Dornwitz Herbert	113	23:56:25.822	42 Runden
90	170	BMW E36 M3	Gartner Richard , Stubber Ray , Stubber Paul	113	23:59:48.605	42 Runden
91	134	Opel Astra Caravan	Müller Wolfgang , Rudolph Oliver	111	23:57:39.933	44 Runden
92	172	BMW Z4 Coupe	Weidenbrück Dieter , Dr. Wegner Guido , Schmickler Markus , Tang Friedhelm	111	24:05:27.231	44 Runden
93	36	BMW E92 M3	Ventura Bona , Koster Dillon , Romanini Diego , Joens Christer	110	24:01:04.409	45 Runden
94	253	Toyota Auris	Daenens Herwig , Miguel Bruno , Cieters Michael , Behets Jean-Luc	110	24:01:37.648	45 Runden
95	45	Audi V8 D11	Ahlers Keith , Bock Christian , Derichs Erwin , Dornhege Hans Georg	110	24:11:17.674	45 Runden
96	146	Audi A4 quattro	Hanisch Thomas , Gies Stefan , Leinfelder Klaus , Keutmann Hans	109	23:59:09.213	46 Runden
97	79	Volvo Heico HS3	Brenndörfer Patrick , Müller Martin , Eickholt Frank , Andree Ulli	109	24:05:26.049	46 Runden
98	158	Opel Astra OPC	Auert Michael , Dr. Steidel Joachim , Juul Mike , Lennackers Thomas	106	24:02:31.090	49 Runden
99	191	Honda Civic Type-R	Setsaas Ola , Pettersen Jörgen , Svae Mikjel , Sandberg Roger	106	24:03:45.307	49 Runden
100	78	Ford Focus ST	Schneider Ebse , Albrecht Bernd , Quiniou Corentine , Lachmayer Michael	105	24:05:18.068	50 Runden
101	114	VW Scirocco GT24-CNG	Dr. Hackenberg Ulrich , Ostmann Bernd , Wyss Peter , Barker John	104	24:05:31.296	51 Runden
102	168	BMW M3	Thorsen Einar , Cox Meyrick , Ackermann David , Luisoder Oliver	103	23:54:18.060	52 Runden
103	166	BMW E36	Manheller Stefan , Balbiani Jose Manuel , Visir Jose , Müller Hajo-Franz	103	23:55:05.851	52 Runden
104	104	Honda S 2000 GT	Weber Wolfgang , Bermes Norbert , Holle Matthias , Nittel Uwe	102	23:54:03.682	53 Runden
105	13	Toyota Corolla	Osborne Colin , Jones Stuart	102	24:01:41.198	53 Runden
106	25	BMW Alpina B6 GT3	Stuck Johannes , Rebhan Michael , Schall Ralf , Engels Marcel	102	24:02:35.559	53 Runden
107	101	Honda Civic Type-R	Schicht Rüdiger , Kurata Hisanao , Sheik al Khalifa Jaber bin Ali , Prym Michael	102	24:05:15.470	53 Runden
108	105	Honda Civic Type-R	Schmid Daniela , Wassertheurer Anja , Müllenmeister Nicole , Schlesack Stefan	101	24:00:40.933	54 Runden
109	68	BMW 130i	Holz Michael , Robson Tom , Englerth Simon , Wack Christian	99	24:06:10.228	56 Runden
110	145	BMW 135d Coupe	Ibron Andre , Laudage Thomas , Radulovic Zoran , Karageorgos Athanasios	95	23:58:47.736	60 Runden
111	41	Porsche 993 Cup	"Segolen" , Tremblay Gerard , van de Vyver Eric , Schmit Frederic	94	24:02:06.030	61 Runden
112	70	BMW E46 M3	Nöhring Frank , White Colin , Osterild Lasse	90	24:07:03.434	65 Runden
113	39	Nissan 370 Z	Eckhardt Holger , Thiim Kurt , Buncombe Alex , Malmedie Matthias	89	24:03:11.102	66 Runden
114	73	Nissan 350 Z	Merzario Arturo , Simoncini Mauro , Dr. Negroni Sergio , Bolognesi Alexander	89	24:04:20.943	66 Runden
115	126	Seat 6 K	Schäfer Hans-Christoph , Blöding Ralf Udo , Weckop Daniel , Dr. Albertz Michael	88	23:55:09.407	67 Runden
116	132	BMW 320 Raps	Kleeschulte Bernd , Edelhoff Gustav , Bergstermann Uwe , Streit Alexander	87	24:00:43.037	68 Runden
117	112	Seat Leon Supercopa	Bollrath Christian , Richter Jens , Wanger Johann , Leto Timo	82	24:05:57.304	73 Runden
118	135	BMW 120d	Hahn Heiko , Vetter Kristian , Weishar Frank , Moran Tom	81	24:03:26.249	74 Runden
	19	Porsche GT3 Cup S Pitstop	Mamerow Chris , Bergmeister Jörg , Franchitti Marino , Mamerow Peter		Nicht gewertet
	21	Dodge Viper GT3	Riebensahm Dirk , Kohlhaas Christian , Gerhard Christopher		Nicht gewertet
	22	Porsche 964 RS Pitstop	Sczepansky Andreas , Kuhn Georges , Wasel Matthias , Wasel Thomas		Nicht gewertet
	15	Lexus LF-A	Hahne Armin , Krumbach Jochen , Lotterer Andre , Naruse Hiromu		Nicht gewertet
	165	BMW 325 Pitstop	Küpper Bernd , Weidner Benjamin , Hudelmaier Jochen , "Rennsemmel"		Nicht gewertet
	117	VW Scirocco GT24	Sainz Carlos , Simon Patrick , Depping Dieter , Kaufmann Wolfgang		Nicht gewertet
	6	Porsche 997 GT3	Alzen Jürgen , Menzel Christian , Schwager Dominik , Fricke Florian		Nicht gewertet
	55	Mercedes-Carlsson CK 35RS Pitstop	Kudrass Wolfgang , Kikuchi Yasushi , Cate Peter , Venn Peter		Nicht gewertet
	183	BMW E46 M3	Wiskirchen Jörg , Welschar Carsten , Koch Klaus , Riemer Jens		Nicht gewertet
	56	Porsche 968 Pitstop	Dupont Daniel , Giavedoni Alain , Ancelet Patrick		Nicht gewertet
	80	BMW 330i	Seher Rudi , Grüner Karlheinz , Strack Jens , Nägele Kristian		Nicht gewertet
	59	BMW M3 Pitstop	Salzer Hans-Rolf , Salzer Sascha , Schäfer Tjark		Nicht gewertet
	40	Ford GT	Tilke Herman , Adorf Dirk , Henerici Marc , Mutsch Thomas		Nicht gewertet
	12	Chevrolet Corvette C6	Renger Reinhold , Rehfeld Roland , Kissling Stefan , Strycek Volker		Nicht gewertet
	10	BMW E46 M3 GTS	Viebahn Jörg , Forbes Rodney , Huisman Duncan , Hartung Marko		Nicht gewertet
	87	Seat Leon	Nacamuli Umberto , Limonta Piero , Checcoli Gianni , Meloni Riccardo		Nicht gewertet
	92	Seat Leon MK I	Carlsson Andres , Pelz Oliver , Nicelife Ed , Anders Carlsson

Reports: Chevy won't constitute offering Indy five hundred Camaro Pace Car replicas

The car above is the pace car for this year's Indianapolis 500, a special edition 2010 Camaro. If you want to see it in action, then you'll need to watch the race -- Chevrolet says it won't be making a pace car replica for people who don't drive on the oval. Chevy copied and sold the four previous iterations of Camaro Indy 500 pace cars thousands of times.


This time, though, a spokesman said, "In order to keep special editions special, we can't go to that well too often." Which means someone decided that a rare trip to the well would be better served by producing a Bumblebee Camaro than an Indy pace car edition, even though the original Camaro Indy 500 pace car editions still attract collectors 42 years after the fact...


via:autoblog

2009 LeMons Reno: Goin' for Broken, Day One

We can see a thunderstorm brewing a few miles away and we've taken shelter (and alcohol) in one of the team's RVs before heading back to the hotel for a desperately needed shower and a full night's rest. But before we enjoy some barbeque and promptly pass out, we ran through the pits to snap some shots of the assorted vehicles that make up this year's race at Reno-Fernley. Check 'em out in the gallery below and if you haven't done so yet, subscribe (or just read) our Twitter feed live from the paddock. Look for more LeMons madness tomorrow.


We've finally wrapped up our "inspection" and "judging" of the LeMons Reno "racers," and as suspected, there's a motley assortment of cars, contenders and bribes. The adjudication duties have been two parts entertaining and one part grueling, covered with a nice helping of faux outrage, bad attitudes and judicial entitlement.
More Photos

Lexus Releases LF-A Race Car Images Ahead of 24-hour Nürburgring Race

Lexus has finally released official photos of their LF-A prototype which will compete in the grueling 24-hour endurance race at Germany's famous Nürburgring.


Although the company is keeping details a closely guarded secret, they did state that the 200+ mph supercar is powered by a 4.8 liter V10 engine which produces 500 bhp. The sleek carbon fiber LF-A prototype will be entered by Japan's Gazoo Racing team and will be driven by a variety of professional race car drivers, Toyota engineers, and Lexus dealers.








Press Release

AND THEN THERE WERE TWO

The Lexus LF-A concept car has never been camera shy, but it has not been seen like this before. Here for the first time is not one, but two of the sleek V10, 500bhp sportcars pictured parked side by side and in race livery ready for this weekend's Nürburgring 24-hour race.

Entered by Gazoo Racing, the team hopes to repeat its class winning form in the 4-hour race earlier in the year. The team, made up of professional drivers, Toyota test drivers, dealers and one very enigmatic driver known only as "Morizo", is tackling the race as part of the development programme for the 200mph+ car.

Gazoo is a Japanese market, Toyota-owned, e-commence website that aims to "create a new relationship between automobiles and people in the new IT era". Gazoo has its own racing team and this will be the third attempt at the famous German race.
via:World Car Fans