Posts Tagged ‘automotive news’

BMW and Mille Miglia stands for triumphs for eternity

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

The name says it all, and it has a legendary resonance: Mille Miglia. From its inception, this road trial covering 1,000 miles was considered the ultimate challenge for drivers and cars alike. Those who stayed the course in the Mille Miglia proved not only their competitiveness in motor sports but also their automotive engineering prowess.

Between 1927 and 1957, the Mille Miglia was staged 24 times in northern Italy. It was a spectacular event for many thousands of motor sport fans and a perfect stage for race drivers such as Tazio Nuvolari, Stirling Moss, Rudolf Caracciola, Juan Manuel Fangio and Fritz Huschke von Hanstein. But the Mille Miglia was also a crucial trial of strength for car manufacturers. Mille Miglia celebrated its revival in 1977 and, as a reliability trial for historic vehicles, has kept alive the spirit of classic car racing ever since. In 1925 four young men from Brescia, as wealthy as they were enthusiastic about motor racing, had resolved to turn their home town into a hub of motor sports. Two years later they saw their plans come to fruition. Henceforth, the start and finish line in Brescia would take on a carnival atmosphere, with the drivers and their automobiles enthusiastically celebrated by the numerous spectators who flocked there.

Each year racing fever spread throughout the land and not only because the cars that dominated the event were initially of Italian manufacture.

Among classic fans it celebrated its revival in 1977 and, as a reliability trial for historic vehicles, has kept alive the spirit of classic car racing ever since. Nowhere other than between Brescia and Rome is the history of motor sport and automotive engineering celebrated so intensely and impressively. The Mille Miglia storica pays homage to the design engineers and their creations, which continue to inspire professionals and aficionados to this day.

More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: iCar Automotive News

Click the link above this article for more automotive news, iCar is an independent webzine for a daily fresh input of automotive news. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.

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Luxury car manufacturer Achieves Recyclability Benchmark

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

British car manufacturer Bentley has taken another step in delivering its class-leading environmental strategy. Bentley now guarantees 85 % recyclability (or 95 % recoverability) of materials for all its current Continental models, becoming one of the first carmakers in the luxury vehicle bracket to take such a step as well as providing environmental friendly recycling or recovery at the end of the car’s life.

This recycling achievement has now received official recognition from the German Motor Transport Authority (KBA). KBA’s President Ekhard Zinke presented European-wide certificates in a ceremony in Berlin to Dr. Arno Homburg, head of Whole Vehicle Development at Bentley Motors.

By meeting such stringent recycling standards, Bentley guarantees that other industries will be able to reutilise or otherwise reprocess the vast majority of materials used in the construction of its cars. Consistent use of these types of resources has coincided with improvements in manufacturing processes. Use of gas, water and electricity consumption has declined by around a quarter over the last nine years, although the number of cars produced has increased by up to ten times over the same period.

Dr. Homburg elaborated on the company’s long-term objectives: “Bentley is remaining true to its unique combination of performance, craftsmanship and comfort, but we still want to play our part in saving resources at the luxury end of the carmaking industry.”

More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: iCar Automotive News

iCar Automotive News (see the link above this article) is an independent webzine for the modern car enthusiast. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.

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Extra support earthquake victims

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

Panasonic Toyota Racing driver Jarno Trulli made an emotional visit to the Abruzzo region on Italy this week as part of his efforts to help those affected by last month’s earthquake there.

As a native of the Abruzzo region, having been born and raised in Pescara, Jarno is raising money for the victims of the April 6 earthquake through his ‘Abruzzo nel Cuore’ (Abruzzo in the Heart) appeal.

On Wednesday Jarno paid a personal visit to Abruzzo, visiting first the small village of Onna, which lost 39 out of its 250 inhabitants when the 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck, where he met survivors who are now camping in tents alongside the ruins of their homes.

Jarno said: “I was shocked to see the devastation firsthand; so many buildings have been destroyed and the effect on the people’s lives is really terrible. Every one in the sporting circuit helps a hand and I doing my best to help. Hopefully we can raise a lot of money to help with reconstruction so the people of Abruzzo can return to a normal situation soon. They are in our hearts.”

The ‘Abruzzo nel Curoe’ appeal has already raised more than €23,000 while several items of Formula 1 memorabilia have been donated by fellow drivers and these will be auctioned to raise further funds.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Abruzzo nel Cuore can do so via http://www.abruzzonelcuore.org.

 

More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: iCar Automotive News

iCar is an independent webzine for the car enthusiast and brings a daily fresh automotive news. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.

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Porsche Works Drivers in the Eifel marathon

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: Automotive News

At the 37th edition of the Nürburgring 24 hour race on 23/24 May, Porsche is again one of the most popular manufacturers for the competitors. A total of 29 Porsche vehicles are expected to compete at Germany’s largest motorsport event. 

Taking up the race as title defenders with starting number 1 are Porsche works drivers Timo Bernhard (Germany), Marc Lieb (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) as well as Manthey pilot Marcel Tiemann (Monaco). They drive a 480 hp Porsche 911 GT3 RSR run by Manthey Racing. In 2008, the squad under team boss Olaf Manthey secured a hat-trick by winning the Nürburgring 24 Hours for the third straight time. Timo Bernhard is not planning to leave it at that: “It would be a dream to win four times in succession. But, changes to the technical regulations have braked in our 911 GT3 RSR considerably. Particularly on the uphill sections, the straights and when lapping cars, you notice a substantial power loss compared to last year. To match the pace of some of the much more powerful opponents will not be easy.” 

 

Another three Porsche factory drivers man the second Manthey Racing vehicle, a 445 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S. The cockpit of the #2 car with professional racer Dirk Werner (Germany) is shared with Richard Lietz (Austria), Emmanuel Collard (France) and Wolf Henzler (Germany). “While Richard and I are newcomers to this fantastic circuit, Emmanuel and Dirk have already gained a lot of experience on the Nordschleife. We’ve only contested one race in the Long Distance Championship,” explains Wolf Henzler. “Still, apart from the length of the track, some of the Nordschleife corners resemble several circuits in the American Le Mans Series. I’m sure that I will quickly become familiar with the special features of the ‘Ring.”

 

The 37th edition of the Nürburgring 24 hour race takes off on 23 May at 16.00 hrs. The flag drops on 24th May at 16.00 hours.

iCar is an independent webzine for the car enthusiast and brings a daily fresh automotive news. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.

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North American Meadow Brook Concours displays unique Alfa 8C

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: Automotive News

A one-of-a-kind 1934 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300(serial no. 2311237) will make its North American Debut at the 30th Anniversary Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance on August 2, 2009. This exciting performance car is a one-off alloy Boattail Speedster formerly owned by Angela Cherrett− noted authority and author on Alfa 8Cs, and will be presented in unrestored condition.

 

“We’re thrilled that the owner of this thorough-bred vintage race car has chosen the Meadow Brook Concours as the venue for its North American debut,” said Matthew de Larcinese, Executive Director – Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. “This addition to the show field is certain to be a crowd pleaser!”

 

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 (serial no. 2311237) began life as a factory show car in 1934 before being imported to Britain by London Bentley Dealer Jack Barclay in 1935. The new owner promptly ordered a new two-seat touring body designed and constructed for the race chassis. As was customary at the time, many of these automobiles were supplied to custom coachbuilders such as Pinninfarina, Zagato, Figoni, Castagna and Touring.

 

It remained in the U.K.until its purchase last year by a noted American collector. 

 

Tickets for the 2009 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance are now on sale by calling 248.643.8645. Online sales will be available soon at http://www.mbhconcours.org/tickets.htm. 

 

Ticket prices

Adults (in advance): $25

Children 12 years and under: Free

Groups of 10 or more: $20 each

                                                                                   

About Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance:

Held annually during the first week of August on the historic grounds of Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Michigan, the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance is considered one of the most prestigious classic automobile exhibitions in the world.  In 2009 the Meadow Brook Concours is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Additional information about the 2009 Meadow Brook Concours, can be seen at www.mbconcours.org. 

 

About Meadow Brook Hall:

Located on the grounds of Oakland University, Meadow Brook Hall is the fourth largest historic house museum in the United States and is renowned for its superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale. Built between 1926 and 1929 as the residence of Matilda Dodge Wilson (widow of auto pioneer John Dodge) and her second husband, lumber broker Alfred G. Wilson, the 110-room, 88,000-square-foot, Tudor-revival style mansion is complete with vast collections of original art and furnishings.

 

iCar Automotive News (see the link above this article) is an independent webzine for the modern car enthusiast. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.

Motorcycle and classic bike fan? Have a look at: Classic Motorcycles Oldtimer Motoren

 


Renault and Nissan word together with Singapore Government for Zero-Emission Mobility

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: Automotive News

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has formed a partnership with the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore to explore the development of Zero Emission Vehicles Program. 

 

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in the presence of Lawrence Wong, CE of EMA, Dr Beh Swan Gin, MD of EDB, Yam Ah Mee, CE of LTA and Thierry Koskas, Renault Electric Vehicles Programme Director, the organizations have agreed to set up working team of representatives and promote introduction and expansion of electric vehicles in Singapore. 

 

“EV development is an exciting new area particularly relevant to the Singapore context. Singapore is well-positioned for the deployment of EVs due to our relative small size, urban environment, robust electrical grid and IT infrastructure,” said Mr Lawrence Wong, Chief Executive, EMA. 

 

“Renault and Nissan aim to become leading brands in zero emission vehicles. Singapore is for us a key priority, as the geography of the country and the focus on environment issues make fast and strong development of electric cars,” said Thierry Koskas Renault electric vehicles programme director. We are eager to working closely with all partners involved to make this project successful.”  

 

 The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama in Japan, as well as in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, the UK, France, Switzerland, Ireland, China and Hong Kong. the Alliance is exploring ways to promote zero-emission mobility and the development of an EV infrastructure in the State of Tennessee in the US. 

 

The Alliance has formed partnerships with 26 governments, cities and other organizations to advance the deployment of EVs worldwide. 

 

The Renault-Nissan Alliance The Renault Nissan Alliance, founded in 1999, sold 6,090,304 vehicles in 2008. The objective of the Alliance is to rank among the world’s top three vehicle manufacturers in terms of quality, technology and profitability. 

 

EV Taskforce 

To spearhead Electric Vehicle (EV) test-bedding and infrastructure development in Singapore, a multi-agency taskforce chaired by Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has been set up with members comprising the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Economic Development Board (EDB), National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) and Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).  

 

The EV taskforce was set up to assess the benefits and applicability of adopting EVs in Singapore. It will draw up the overall plan of EV test-bedding and evaluation of the environmental and economic benefits, with a view of a potential larger scale adoption of EVs in future. The taskforce will work with key industry players to examine infrastructural requirements, policy requirements and new business models arising from EVs, as well as identify industry development and R&D opportunities. It will also look into educating the public on EV technology though a nationwide EV sharing programme or through corporate fleets. The taskforce will set aside funding for interested parties to develop infrastructure and buy electric vehicle during the test-bedding process.  

 

Energy Market Authority Energy Market Authority (EMA) was formed on 1 April 2001 as a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry to forge a secure, long-term electricity industry that thrives on healthy competition. We have been creating new market sturctures to promote competition in the electricity and gas industries. EMA will also continue to promote cost-competitive outcomes for consumers by ensuring a level playing field for competition within the electricity and gas. As co-chair of the EV Taskforce, EMA endeavors to establish strategic partners for test bedding, identify power grid regulation/licensing for EV charging systems and develop relevant codes and standards.   Land Transport Authority Land Transport Authority (LTA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport. spearheads land transport developments is planned by the LTA and so are long-term transport needs. While serving commuters by providing an integrated and user-friendly transport system, LTA addresses wider issues such as sustainable development, economic growth, and community life. LTA helps ensure that relevant regulations, standards and infrastructure are in place and is a co-chair of the EV Taskforce. LTA looks forward to working with leading companies such as Renault-Nissan to develop innovative transport solutions, and making Singapore’s transport system greener, cleaner, and more people-centred. 

 

Economic Development Board EDB is the lead government agency for planning and executing strategies to enhance Singapore’s position as a global business centre and grow the Singapore economy. economic opportunities and jobs for the people of Singapore will be attracted by doing so, and help shape our country's economic future. EDB’s role in the MOU is to work with industry partners like Renault-Nissan to jointly identify industry development opportunities such as manufacturing and R&D. The MOU is aligned with EDB’s positioning of Singapore as a “Living Laboratory” where leading-edge urban mobility solutions, such as electric vehicles, are tested, developed and exported to the rest of the world. 

iCar is an independent webzine for the car enthusiast and brings a daily fresh automotive news. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.

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RR4 becomes Rolls-Royce Ghost

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: Automotive News

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the name for its new model series which until now has been known as RR4. The name was announced by Tom Purves, CEO, at a press conference held at the Shanghai motor show. 

The new car will be called the Rolls-Royce Ghost and production will begin at the company’s Goodwood manufacturing facility on the south coast of England later in 2009. 

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Tom Purves, said, “We are delighted to formally announce the Rolls-Royce Ghost. It is one of the most revered names in the automotive industry, evoking images of adventure and technical innovation. The name reflects this new model’s breadth of abilities. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known for impressive dependability and refinement and great flair and style. This car will be the first in a new generation of models to carry this evocative name and will give us two pinnacle product lines – Phantom and Ghost.  

The Rolls-Royce Ghost will be built on its own dedicated production line at Goodwood but will share paint, wood and leather workshops with the Phantom series of cars. The car manufacturer has expanded all areas of its manufacturing facility over the last 18 months to prepare for the introduction of the new model. 

The Ghost name was used by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars between 1906 and 1925 although these cars were first introduced as the 40/50hp model. A total of 7,876 of these cars were made during this period, 6173 in Derby, and 1703 in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

From quarter four 2009, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will offer five models: Ghost, Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé. The Rolls-Royce Phantom range of cars is powered by a naturally aspirated direct injection 6.75 litre V12 engine that produces 453BHP at 5350 rpm (338KW/460PS) and 720Nm of torque at 3500rpm. 

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars retailed 1212 cars around the world in 2008, a 20 per cent increase over the previous year and marking five years of continued growth since the Phantom was first launched in 2003. 

Ghost technical specification:

No. of doors and seats: 4 and 5
Length of car: 5399mm
Vehicle width 1948mm
Height of body: 1,550mm
Wheelbase: 3295mm
Engine: new six.6 litre turbocharged V12 

Gearbox: 8-speed ZF

Power: Upwards of 500bhp (upwards of 373kW/507PS)

 

iCar Automotive News (see the link above this article) is an independent webzine for the modern car enthusiast. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.

Interested in classic motorcycles or fan of special bikes? Have a look at: Classic Motorcycles Oldtimer Motoren


Offshoot of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept unveiled during the FIA GT

Monday, June 8th, 2009

By: iCar Automotive News

 

Ain’t she just beautiful. The new Maserati GranTurismo MC will be officially unveiled during the FIA GT before the press at the Paul Ricard circuit. This new car is an offshoot of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept introduced last September in Monza and based on the S road version, with electro-actuated gearbox system.

 

People could aready acquintance with the new Maserati on 17 and 18 March when it participated in the “Balance of performance”, two days of practices organized by SRO at the Paul Ricard circuit in order to analyze and balance the performance of the models that will be racing in the GT4 European Cup.

 

A Maserati GranTurismo MC entered by a private team is to participate in some GT4 European Cup events during the second half of this season.

 

A limited series of the Maserati GranTurismo MC produced for gentlemen drivers who wish to race in the 2010 GT4 European Cup and the national series, will be on sale as of October 2009. The new Maser will cost about 135,000 Euro + VAT. Sales directly by Maserati Corse.

 

In 2010 Maserati intends to once again organize a European single-make cup race. The cars racing this Cup naturally present specifications that will set them apart from the Maserati GT4-version Maserati GranTurismo MCs. 

 

Maserati chose to create a model with GT4 features because GT4 is the category with the closest links to production models. There is a niche of GranTurismo road car owners who love racing and want to be able to test their mettle on a track driving a racing version of the same model they own.

 

The Maserati GranTurismo MC is the result of a development work carried out during many test sessions that started in the Summer of 2008. 

 

Various drivers have taken turns developing the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept from which the Maserati GranTurismo MC stemmed.  With their strong professional and racing background, each and every one of them contributed to the creation of the final version.

 

The predominant part of the fine-tuning work was conducted by Andrea Bertolini, official Maserati tester as well as incumbent FIA GT Champion at the wheel of the MC12.

 

Bertolini worked together with Thomas Cremonini, Maserati series production tester, and Vitaphone Racing Team teammate Michael Bartels, also 2008 FIA GT champion.

 

During the most recent tests, the Maserati GranTurismo MC with GT4 specs was also tested by former F.1 race car pilot Ivan Capelli.

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