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McLaren Oh the humanity Video

This is just nasty

McLaren F1 crash scene

That there is, or perhaps, was a McLaren F1. You can see video of the aftermath below, which comes to us from Marchettino. His description of the crash scene reads:

This is possibly the most shocking accident I have ever witnessed. While following a McLaren F1, a driver stopped to tell me that just 1km before another F1 just had a massive crash. We ran on the site and saw a white McLaren F1 upside down in a ditch. We’re not sure about the dynamics of the crash but probably the speed let the driver lose the control of the car on the grass, flip over and crash into a tree in the ditch. The car has reported massive damages but hopefully the driver didn’t reported any injuries; the passenger reported a few minor injuries and looked shocked.

Thankfully it appears nobody was seriously hurt. That F1, though, looks pretty rooted.

[Thanks to Paul for the tip]

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Wörthersee 2014: Volkswagen GTI Roadster

Volkswagen GTI Roadster

The fearsome GTI Roadster has just been wheeled out at the Wörthersee show and, oh boy, what a beast it is! Just look at the key stats. It’s powered by a 3.0 litre V6 biturbo pumping out a staggering 370kW (503PS). Peak torque is 560Nm and is on tap between 4000–6000rpm. Mind, 500Nm of that torque is all yours from just 2000rpm.

That power is sent through a 7-speed DSG and 4motion all-wheel drive system and Volkswagen says its 1420kg concept can reach 100km/h in 3.6 seconds. Keep your foot planted and you’ll top out at 309km/h.

In a case of life imitating art the GTI Roadster began as nothing more than a virtual creation for the Sony Playstation game Gran Turismo 6. After being asked by Sony to create a car for Gran Turismo’s fifteenth anniversary Volkswagen launched an internal design competition.

Judged by Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen Head of Design, and Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of Gran Tursimo, the winners were Malte Hammerbeck and Domen Rucigaj (exterior) and Guillermo Mignot (interior). They became informally known as the Vision GTI-GT6 taskforce.

The taskforce was joined by other designers and their visual creation was developed entirely by computer, including the 3D modelling. The press material below doesn’t offer any detail on the production of the model you see in the photos, though. But there are some very cool cutaway images for you after the break.

Freed from the reality of real-world production constraints the GTI Roadster is described by Volkswagen as the “most spectacular GTI ever” and it’s pretty hard to disagree with that claim.

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Caterham

Tony Fernandes standing by Caterham, for now

2014 Monaco Grand Prix

Prior to the start of the 2014 Formula 1 season, Caterham boss Tony Fernandes demanded the team improve its results or he would sell up shop.

“My message to the 250 people here [at the factory] is we have to go for it this year,” he said. “This is it—the final chance. We’ve given you the best infrastructure, the best potential drivers but it is now down to all of you to go and do it.”

Well, so far season 2014 hasn’t been a great one for Caterham. The CT05 is dog ugly to begin with and the team sits at the bottom of the constructors’ table. Although, Marcus Ericsson’s P11 in Monaco last weekend did equal Caterham’s best F1 result. Trouble is, they were pipped by Marussia and Jules Bianchi who finished ninth and collected two world championship points, something Caterham is yet to do in F1.

So recent talk suggesting Fernandes was ready to sell all of his Caterham assets—the F1 team and the car manufacturer—came as no surprise. However, the business tycoon has issued a clear statement that Caterham is not for sale.

“Caterham Group is not for sale,” Fernandes said. “We love what we build and we are always looking for further investment. This is no different to how we started AirAsia.

“Yes, we are constantly challenging ourselves and making decisions on everything from the structure to projects within the Group.

“That is normal business. That does not mean we are selling.”

Still, something tells us Ericsson and Kamui Kobayashi had better hope they enjoy a few good Sundays before the year is out otherwise Fernandes may come good on his pre-season promise.

[Source: Autosport]

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MINI Video

VIDEO: MINI Superleggera Vision

MINI Superleggera Vision concept

The MINI Superleggera Vision concept is a very cool thing. This we all seem to agree on. So here’s a couple of videos which may help you increase your attraction to this one-off electric powered creation. They aren’t the most exciting vids you’ll ever watch, they just focus on the lines and exquisite details of the retro inspired two-seater. And, as you’ll see, there’s nothing at all wrong with that approach.

[via MotoringFile]

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Formula 1 Video

VIDEO: 1980 Monaco Grand Prix

1980 Monaco Grand Prix

Can’t get enough of F1 cars racing around Monaco? This video from the 1980 Monaco Grand Prix should help you out. Even as far back as 34 years ago there were complaints the pits were too small for motorsport’s biggest show in town. And still the drivers can’t wait to turn up, pose, race and win.

[via Motor Sport Retro]

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BMW Video

Watch the BMW M2 in action

BMW M2 prototype

BMW has been testing the new M2 for a while now. But this is one of the first times it’s been caught on video. Alas, the sound coming from the exhaust is not as fruity as one might like. Although, it doesn’t seem like the 3.0 litre straight six turbo in the test mule was working that hard. So there should be room for improvement there.

You do get a small glimpse at how phat those flared guards will look on the final production model though. And they’re something we are looking forward to!

[Source: CarScoops]

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MINI

Here comes the new MINI JCW

F56 MINI JCW prototype

The F56 MINI John Cooper Works has just been photographed in testing at the Nürburgring. We already know the new Cooper S has a bit of spunk about it and while we’re not mad keen on the styling of the next JCW, we do think the 170kW+ offered by its 2.0 litre turbo four should be a bit of fun!

The all-new JCW will be revealed later this year and should be on sale in Australia in the early stages of 2015.

[Source: Autoblog | Pic: CarPix]

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Caterham F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

2014 Monaco Grand Prix in pictures

2014 Monaco Grand Prix

Direct from the cashed up streets of Monte Carlo we bring you the best pics we could get our grubby hands on. So, go and get yourself a coffee, sit back and relive the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix.

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Formula 1

The real cost of Formula 1

Jules Bianchi, 2014 Monaco Grand Prix

We all know Formula 1 is an expensive form of motorsport, but the total of figures being bandied about in a recent article from Forbes may still shock. Based on publicly available accounts the the combined losses of F1 teams from 2010–2012 is a touch over US$520 million.

More surprising to learn is that almost half of that total has been lost by Marussia. While it may still be a drop in the ocean the two points scored by Jules Bianchi in the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend could amount to almost US$50 million in prizemoney if the team can remain ninth in the constructors’ championship.

You should follow the link below to read the article in full, but this is the crux:

These smaller teams often struggle to keep up with those which are owned by global brands because there are no restrictions on spending. The teams regularly spend more money than they receive in revenue and the difference usually comes from debt or their owners. The deeper the owners’ pockets, the more money available to their teams. The owners’ objective is to outspend their rivals in a bid to win on track and it has led to annual team budgets accelerating to an estimated $211 million last year.

[Source: Forbes | Thanks to Tim for the tip]

Categories
Ferrari WEC

Fernando Alonso to start Le Mans 24 Hours

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso is going to start the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours. No, he hasn’t been released to compete in the race itself, rather he will be the ceremonial flag waver to indicate the start of the endurance classic.

Automobile Club de l’Ouest invited Fernando along in recognition of Ferrari’s past history at Le Mans and perhaps to increase interest of a return to the main LMP1 class from Maranello.

“I am very happy to have been chosen to start this race, because it is one of a handful of races that has defined the history of motor sport,” Alonso explained.

“I’m keen to check out the details on this type of car. In Formula 1, we have also entered the hybrid era and I am curious to find out more about the working methods and technology involved in this series.”

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Formula 1 Porsche Red Bull Racing WEC

Mark Webber: The road to Le Mans – part 2

Mark Webber, 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix

In the second part of the Mark Webber: Return to Le Mans feature we get a behind the scenes look at Mark’s final race, the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix.

This is all very good, but while recognising Red Bull is signing the cheques for this video series, there must be so much to the Le Mans preparations that we reckon there’s going to be a lot of quality material left on the cutting room floor.

Formula 1 is in the past for Mark, we want to see and hear his thoughts on the Porsche 919 Hybrid; the podium debut at Silverstone and the disappointment of Spa.

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MINI

MINI Superleggera Vision revealed

MINI Superleggera Vision

BMW has a fine recent tradition for rocking up to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este with new and usually stunning concept models. This year is no exception, although the honour has gone to MINI. And the junior brand hasn’t let the team down with this great looking Superleggera Vision concept model.

MINI joined forces with Milan-based Touring Superleggera to create the two-seat roadster. It’s been hand crafted in the finest of coachbuilding traditions, yet is powered by a thoroughly modern electric drivetrain. Sadly no details have been provided about the car’s mechanical features.

So we’re left with this motherhood statement from Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design: “Touring Superleggera and MINI have much in common: both companies attach great importance to their history and this is something which defines their outward appearance to this day.

“What is more, they both emphasise iconic design and distinctive solutions. These elements are merged in the MINI Superleggeraâ„¢ Vision to create an elegant automobile which interprets a British roadster under the influence of Italian style and hand craftsmanship.”

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