Audi R8 TDI could be coming in 2009

Audi demonstrated clearly last year that a diesel-powered race car could take on defeat gas-powered cars at the 24 Hours of LeMans and in the ALMS and they are preparing to fend off a new diesel challenger from Peugeot later this month in France. The Audi R8 sports car that debuted in production earlier this year was inspired by Audi's original LeMans car and now looks set for an update based on the latest endurance racer.

A diesel powered version of the R8 may hit the street as soon as 2009, according to Car and Driver. Although the R10 inspired 5.9L V-12 that was shown in the Q7 V-12 at the Detroit Auto Show might seem the obvious choice, it may well be too large and to heavy for the R8 engine bay. The 4.2L V-8 TDI available now in the European Q7 gives up some power but gains 77 percent in torque compared to the gas engine currently used in the R8 and could increase fuel economy by over twenty percent. Whether or not the R8 TDI ever makes it US shores will probably depend on fuel prices and how well the other new Audi diesels are received over the next two years.

75th Le Mans 24 Hours Report

Peugeot will start the 75th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours from pole position after the second qualifying day was washed out.

Stephane Sarrazin’s provisional pole time from the first day was not beaten during the second period of qualifying on Thursday. The track never dried during the four hours of track time during the evening.

Sarrazin’s pole means that the Peugeot 908 HDi turbo-diesel prototype remains unbeaten going into the 24 Hours, which begins Saturday. Peugeot won the opening two rounds of the Le Mans Series in Europe and then went faster than the Audi R10s at the Le Mans Test Day at the beginning of this month.

Peugeot Sport boss Michel Barge said: “It is obviously very satisfying to have qualified on pole. Since the green light was given to the 908 program barely 18 months ago, we have taken the successive challenges we have faced one at a time, but we are acutely aware that the build-up is one thing and the race another.”

Peugeot is still playing down its chances in the race, pointing out that the car has not completed a 24-hour race simulation.

“We have never hidden the fact that our objective is 2008 and that anything we can learn—in all domains—between now and then will be welcome experience,” Barge said.

Peugeot still went fastest in the second qualifying period. Sebastien Bourdais, who shares the pole car with Sarrazin and Pedro Lamy, set a best time of 4m01.928s That was more than a second and a half better than the best Audi time.
LE MANS QUALIFYING -2nd ROUND

1 Stephane Sarrazin Peugeot 908 HDi 3m26.344s
2 Allan McNish Audi R10 TDI 3m26.916s
3 Nicolas Minassian Peugeot 908 HDi 3m27.724s
4 Emanuele Pirro Audi R10 TDI 3m28.301s
5 Mike Rockenfeller Audi R10 TDI 3m3m29.736s
6 Emmanuel Collard Pescarolo-Judd 01 3m33.590s
7 Jean-Marc Gounon Courage-AER LC75 3m35.171s
8 Joao Barbosa Pescarolo-Judd 01 3m35.559s
9 Jan Lammers Dome-Judd S101.5 3m35.660s
10 Jamie Campbell-Walter Creation-Judd CA07 3m36.279s

LMP2
1 Adrian Fernandez Zytek 07S/2 3m44.158s

GT1
Christophe Bouchut Aston Martin DBR9 3m50.761s

GT2
Andrew Kirkaldy Ferrari 430 GT 4m04.405s

Mercedes-Benz CLS by ASMA

The German tuning company ASMA introduced a redesigned version of its Shark II kit for the CLS. The long grille is now chromed and the car now rides on new 20-inch wheels. Other aerodynamic components are more or less the same; they transform the CLS into a real eye-catcher. Even if the onlookers won't like the design, the owner can be certain that his car will be noticed. The Shark II rides on 20-inch multipart chromed wheels, with tire size 255/30 ZR20 at the front and 295/25 ZR20 at the rear axle. A sport exhaust system is also available. The modifications are rounded up by a high-performance brake system and a stiffer suspension, which lowers the car by 2 inches.

Brabus Jeep Wrangler

Legends are immortal and in the automotive world that is especially true for the Jeep. Wrangler, the 'mother' of all off-road vehicles. To customize the latest version of the American 4x4 and to make it even more exclusive STARTECH is developing an innovative and exclusive accessories program - for the short wheelbase and the new long wheelbase version.

In a first step STARTECH offers custom-tailored light-alloy wheels, some initial exterior modifications and exclusive interior options.

The polished STARTECH Monostar IV 9Jx20 light-alloy wheels attract attention at first sight. The striking five-spoke wheels lend the new Jeep. Wrangler a more exclusive appearance. But that's not all: Mounted with sporty on- and off-road tires in size 285/50 R 20 front and back they give the SUV even more agile handling characteristics while at the same time improving driving safety.

While the STARTECH design program for the new Wrangler is still under development, the first stainless-steel components will be available shortly. Sturdy tubular side guards for short and long wheelbase models protect the rocker panels of the Jeep and partially hide the Jeep's frame from view. The spare wheel cover with high-gloss stainless-steel ring adds the finishing touch.

The new Wrangler generation for the first time includes a model with diesel engine. The STARTECH motor engineers are currently developing the STARTECH SD 4T tuning module for the 2.8-liter (171 cu. in.) common-rail turbodiesel engine.

STARTECH sport exhausts will soon be available for all engine and body variants of the Jeep. The fully stainless-steel exhausts feature one characteristic oval chrome tailpipe each on the right and left, and produce a more sonorous engine sound, while at the same time optimizing power yield.

The interior of the Jeep can also be upgraded stylishly with STARTECH accessories: Highly polished scuff plates welcome driver and passengers, and the ergonomically shaped STARTECH sport steering wheel adds to the ambiance.

Additional customization requests can be fulfilled by the company-own STARTECH upholstery shop. Partial and fully leather interiors made from especially soft yet durable Mastik leather satisfy even the most discriminating tastes.

Honda Civic Type-R at Goodwood

Honda's impressive racing heritage will again be displayed at this year’s Festival of Speed, with performances from two and four wheeled legends. Three milestone cars from Honda’s Collection Hall in Japan are making the trip to West Sussex, along with eight legendary bikes, including three Isle of Man TT-winning motorcycles.

If that’s not enough, the JAS Motorsport Civic Type-R will be tearing up the hill with Honda F1 test driver Christian Klien at the wheel. Jenson Button will also be taking his 2007 ride along; the Honda RA107 Formula 1 car.

Proving ‘green’ cars can be gorgeous and ultra-cool, Honda’s Small Hybrid Sports Concept Car will also be making its debut appearance in the UK. See it in the new Technology Pavilion along with a static display of ASIMO where visitors can learn about the background behind one of the world’s most famous robots.

Blasting up the hill for Honda will be:

Motorcycles
Luigi Taveri: RC145 (this model won all 10 races in its class in the 1962 World Championship series)
Tommy Rob: RC163 (a 1962 250cc World Motorcycle Grand Prix bike)
Ralph Bryans: RC162 (a 250cc 1962 Grand Prix machine)Bob Heath: RC173 (The six-cylinder Honda is one of the legendary machines of GP racing. Mike Hailwood won the 1966 and 1967 350 World Championships on the 297cc version)
Stuart Graham: RC174 (Winner of seven out of eight races in the 1967 World Championship Series)
Jim Redman: Honda NR 750 (Debuted in the Le Mans 24-Hour Endurance Race)
Roger Marshall: VTR 1000 SPW (this machine helped Honda capture second place in the 2001 Manufacturer's and Rider's Championships)
John McGuiness: CBR1000RR (The pair raced to victory in the 2007 Senior TT Superbike Race, setting a new record in the process, breaking through the average 130mph speed barrier. The CBR1000RR’s 2007 win made it Honda’s 135th race victory)

Cars
John Surtees: Honda RA301 (the 3.0-litre car that won its maiden GP outing in 1968)
Anthony Davidson / Gil De Ferran: Williams Honda FW11 (the F1 car driven by Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet that won Honda its first constructor’s championship)
Jenson Button: Honda Racing F1 Team RA107
Christian Klien: JAS Motorsport Civic Type-R

Ford Shelby GT Convertible

The magic duo of Ford Mustang and Carroll Shelby bring open-air excitement to the road for the 2008 model year as the Ford Shelby GT returns with a new convertible body style and a new standard color combination. Like all Shelby Mustang models, production will be limited to assure exclusivity for collectors. The 2008 Shelby GT coupe and convertible will be available from select Ford dealers beginning in August 2007.

The 2008 Ford Shelby GT convertible is being formally introduced to Shelby and Ford enthusiasts at the annual Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet, which opens today in Tulsa, Okla.

“The Shelby GT was engineered for people that put performance first,” said Carroll Shelby. “Working with Ford Racing, we created this Shelby to be an everyday driver that’s tuned for fun at the track. Those who value a well-balanced package will appreciate it. Those who don’t will be left behind staring at its tailpipes.”

In 2007, Ford Division, Carroll Shelby and Ford Racing joined forces to create a retail version of The Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H coupe called the Ford Shelby GT. Fewer than 6,000 2007 models were built and all were available only in Performance White or Black.

For 2008, the highly-coveted Shelby GT is available in a new paint combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes and the choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible.

“The Mustang convertible is the number one selling convertible in the U.S.,” states Robert Parker, Ford Division Car Marketing Manager. “Since t he Mustang program never stands still, we wanted to continue offering consumers what they want, and they told us it was a Ford Mustang Shelby GT convertible. ”

Shelby GT models begin life as a specially-equipped Mustang GT assembled at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for transformation before delivery to Ford dealerships nationwide.

“The birth of the Ford Shelby GT was so well received last year, especially by young enthusiasts, that we brought the car back for the 2008 model year,” said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. “The enormous response to Hertz’s Shelby GT-H convertible convinced us to offer customers a drop top Shelby GT. And we had so many requests for blue that we decided to make it our signature color in 2008.”

Every Shelby GT is built to perform and is the result of extensive development. Aerodynamics were key to sculpting t he powerful, unique front fascia with an aggressive lower air dam. The hood scoop comes directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster while unique side scoops are positioned just before the rear wheel arches. The rear fascia frames dual exhaust tips, and a Shelby badge graces the trunk lid.

“The partnership between Ford Racing and Shelby demonstrates our ability to work together to deliver some of the most exciting Mustang’s ever built,” said Jamie Allison, Ford Racing Performance Group Manager. “Ford Racing has a full line of performance parts for Mustang enthusiasts. The Shelby GT convertible is another example of how working together, Shelby and Ford Racing are developing, producing and delivering niche performance Mustangs directly to the customer.”

Under the hood, the engine is improved with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package to increase output of the 4.6-liter V-8 to 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. A high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter for precise shift action. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

The balanced package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for improved off-the-line acceleration. The overall ride height was dropped to reduce body roll while a front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure.

The 2008 models will sport 18-inch polished wheels with high-performance P235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich gForce tires to maximize the upgrades. Like all Mustang convertibles, each drop top will have a stylish light bar and supplemental bracing to give the car additional stiffness.

“The Shelby GT is for drivers,” says Boylan. “We enhanced the motor, the chassis and other bits to make it a fun, balanced car that is equally at home on the street or track. It’s easy to drive, very fast and offers great value for the price.”

Approximately 2,300 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built for model year 2008, available with manual or automatic transmission. Each car will feature an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as a matching tag under the hood for documentation in a forthcoming registry. Shelby Automobiles production is scheduled to begin in August 2007.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Wins in Nuerburgring

The Volkswagen Golf has yet again impressively proved its exceptional qualities in one of the world’s most demanding races: In the traditional 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring the “R-Line“ Golf fielded by Volkswagen Motorsport and driven by the Volkswagen Juniors René Rast (20/Steyerberg) and Jimmy Johansson (22/Sweden) as well as Florian Gruber (24/Aham) and Dieter Depping (Wedemark) captured the outstanding eighth place overall and victory in the class for vehicles with two-litre turbo engines. In addition, the 300-hp Golf fitted with Michelin tyres was the best-placed front-wheel drive vehicle among 200 touring cars. Only GT sports cars from Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin and Dodge were placed in front of the Golf.

Triumph of reliability – juniors impressed

“This is a sensational success. The Golf was running like clockwork. We only refuelled, changed tyres and brake linings – that’s all. All of the drivers and the entire team rendered a perfect performance, the showing of our juniors impressed me in particular,“ Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen summed up the result with satisfaction.

“A super team performance,” said Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board for the Development Division, praising the performance as well. “The Golf showed the potential it harbours yet again. And this 24-hour race with its extreme conditions was arguably exactly what you’d call a ’Green Hell’: demanding and in a class of its own.“

About 200,000 spectators witnessed a high-calibre 24-hour race on the 25.378-kilometre combination of the Grand Prix circuit and the legendary Nordschleife that was marked by capricious weather. First, a thunderstorm with torrential rain on Saturday afternoon delayed the start by nearly two hours, then the race was interrupted for five and a half hours during the night on account of fog with visibility below 30 metres.

24h-victory only one week after exploits in the Rally Transibérico and Baja 500

“In this popular festival of racing the Golf definitely made new friends,“ commented Kris Nissen. The project was realised in an extremely short space of time, without impairing our main engagement with the Race Touareg in any way. A week ago, we won the Rally Transibérico with Carlos Sainz, and in the Baja 500 in Mexico we showed a strong performance with the Race Touareg as well, now it’s this excellent team performance with the Golf, and in parallel, we’re completing an endurance test with the Race Touareg in Tunisia – no doubt a tough week for Volkswagen Motorsport, but it also proves the performance capabilities of our entire squad, which fills me with great pride.“

Pitting only to refuel, and to change the tyres and brake linings

“That was really a dream: The car, the team, the circuit, the atmosphere – everything was fantastic. I wouldn’t mind driving my next 24-hour race straight away,“ said an elated Jimmy Johansson, the current Champion in the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup, after his début in the 24h-classic in the Eifel region. “This event had it all, an incredible experience and a huge success,“ rejoiced René Rast, the 2005 Polo Cup Champion. “I’m satisfied through and through, the car was simply superb all the way to the last lap. My thanks to Volkswagen for this experience,” added Florian Gruber, who also originates from Volkswagen’s programme of promoting young talent. The multiple German Rally Champion Dieter Depping, who augmented the Juniors team, summed up the outcome, saying, “Everything had been prepared perfectly from the very beginning – it couldn’t have been topped.”

Indeed the number-111 Golf driven by Rast/Johansson/Gruber/Depping that finished eighth overall and won in class reeled off the total of 101 laps on the Nordschleife, which is notorious for the tough demands it makes on material, without a single unscheduled pit stop for technical reasons.

Thanks for a tremendous motorsport event

“My thanks not only go to our drivers and the entire squad, but also to Michelin for excellent tyres as well as to Volkswagen Individual, who made this fielding possible,” commented Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. “In addition, I’d like to congratulate the winning team of Olaf Manthey and everyone who made it across the finish line. Special compliments to the ADAC Nordrhein for enabling this tremendous motorsport event.“ Kris Nissen added: “I’m confident that we’re going to return to this unique circuit with the Golf.”