Pic of the Week - 04/26/10

Lake Forest Sportscars DBRS9 at Long Beach for the
World Challenge Event.

Ferrari Unveils Future Product Plans

At a recent Fiat Group Shareholder meeting the future of the Ferrari model line was given some very specific direction. First into the mix is a replacement for the four-seat 612 Scaglietti, rumored to be adding a hybrid powertrain to its impressive V12 engine. Ferrari will follow up the 458 with both a convertible version, then adding a model that will be much more track focused, like the 430 Scuderia.

Estimated for 2012 the Prancing Horse lineup, should see a new range-topping Ferrari to take the mantle from the discontinued Enzo hypercar, possibly equipped with an engine utilizing forced induction along with a lightweight platform. Following the release of the 599 GTO later this year, the 599 GTB receive a replacement as well, followed by the release of an updated California with a potential "M" designation.

Pic of the Week - 04/21/10

MC Corsa on Track in Europe

Pic of the Week - 04/14/10

Rotor and Caliper from 599xx, at Miller Motorsports Park.
Pic as seen at Autblog.com

Rapide to Start Nurburgring 24hr Race

Aston Martin has announced its new Rapide sedan will be on the starting grid of this year’s Nürburgring 24-hour race. The near-stock Rapide will take to the Nordschleife circuit for the endurance race on May 15 and 16.

Although the production Rapide has already been revealed, the 24-hour race will serve as a final shakedown test for the four-door coupe. The participating Rapide will be near-stock, save for a few modifications for racing, such as a revised suspension, roll cage and racing-spec tires.

“This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car – it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny,” said Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.


Text as seen at LeftLaneNews.com

599 GTO Unleashed

The wraps have been removed, to the joy of Ferrari lovers everywhere. The first official pictures have been released to the world and the vaunted GTO nameplate has returned!

Ferrari's new extreme V12 berlinetta, the 599 GTO, delivers a lap time of just 1 minute and 24 seconds at Fiorano, making it the fastest road-going model in Ferrari history (including Enzo). This limited edition special series of just 599 is the new pinnacle of Prancing Horse sportiness and has benefited to an enormous degree from technological transfers from the track. Many of the cutting-edge solutions sported by the 599 GTO are also the product of the Maranello engineers' experience in the development of the 599XX, the prototype experimental car of which, as its legendary moniker suggests, the 599 GTO is the road-homologated version.

Output from the 6.0-liter V12 – itself derived from the Enzo's engine – is up from 612 horsepower to 661, with torque up a modest 9 lb-ft to 457. Coupled with a 195 kilogram (430 lb) weight reduction program – now tipping the scales at 1495 kg (3295 lbs), the leaner and meaner 599 can sprint to 62 miles per hour from a standstill in a scant (and very specific) 3.35 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 208 mph.

To visit the 599 GTO dedicated Microsite...Click Here


Text as Seen at Ferrari.com

Pic of the Week - 04/07/2010

On display at LFSC now, Demonstrator Due in Shortly.
The All-New 2010 Aston Martin Rapide.

Rained Soaked Sepang - Malaysian GP

A rained soaked Sepang Race Track in Malaysia has left the field jumbled after todays qualifying efforts were marred by heavy rains throughout. A wide open track and a mixed up field should make for an exciting 3rd race of the season.

Points leaders Fernando Alonso and Felippe Massa qualified 19th and 21st respectively after failing to escape Q1. Mark Webber qualified on the pole, which should boost the Red Bull drivers' confidence after his disappointing finish to last weekends Australian Grand Prix. Ferrari look to rebound from a pour showing in qualifying to continue there lead in both the Drivers and Contructor's Championships.