Thursday, June 21, 2007

Michael Schumacher To Race Again At The "2007 Race of Champions"

Race fans around the world will have the chance to see Michael Schumacher in action once again as the organizers of the “Race Of Champions” (ROC) confirmed the participation of the (retired) seven-times F1 World Champion. This year’s ROC will take place at the Wembley Stadium in the UK on December16. The principle in the ROC is quite simple: using identical equipment and track, drivers can prove themselves based on their talent alone. The drivers compete in a series of knockout heats in their own division to determine their class champion. Then, in a shoot-out to determine who is the master of motorsport, the winners go head-to-head in a super final.

Schumacher apart, already announced for the 2007 ROC are F1 drivers David Coulthard and Jenson Button, as well as double FIA World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx and 1995 World Rally Champion, Colin McRae. -Continued after the jump

Schumacher took part in the 2004 event at Paris’ Stade de France, where he beat World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb in a one-off challenge in front of over 62,000 fans, but missed out on the overall title to Renault’s F1-driver Heikki Kovalainen.

“I enjoyed the atmosphere, both with the other drivers and in the stadium where the fans seemed to clearly enjoy themselves,” said Schumacher. “I hope that my participation can help the event organisers raise even more funds and awareness for ICM (the Institute for Cerebral and Medullary Disorders), which I'm one of the founder members of and that The Race of Champions is now supporting for the fourth year."

ebay: A Yugo that’ll make you Laugh Out Loud!

Do you think a car is only a machine? That it doesn’t have feelings and it can’t laugh or cry? If you do, then you’re WRONG! This car, which is sold on e-bay, proves that there’s an exception to every rule. For those of you who are debating whether or not I’m in my sober state please look carefully to the car’s plates where it says: “LOL”, which in cyber-world translates to Laughing Out Loudly.

Let’s be fair, buying this Yugo has its pros and cons. There are some things you may not know about these cars, so better look up the FAQ’s (follow the jump) list before you invest in this beast. And don’t forget that Yugo will be introducing three new vehicles next year which include a single-seater called "I Go", a family sedan named "We Go" and a station wagon called the "Y'all Go". Yes, quite the originality, but trust us, those new models won’t affect the price of this Yugo! -Continued after the jump

Posted by Chris


FAQ

Q. How do you double the value of a Yugo?
A. Fill the Tank

Q. What do you call a Yugo at the top of a hill?
A. Miracle

Q. How do you make a Yugo accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 15 seconds?
A. Push it off a cliff.

Q. What is found on the last two pages of every Yugo owner's manual?
A. The bus schedule.

Q. What did the parts dealer say when the customer said, "I'll take a set of wiper blades for my Yugo"?
A. "Sounds like a fair trade to me."

Q. Why do Yugos come with heated rear windows?
A. To keep your hands warm while you're pushing them

Q. What do you call a Yugo with brakes?
A. Customized.

Q. How do you make a Yugo go faster downhill?
A. Turn off the engine.

Q. What do you call Yugo passengers?
A. Shock absorbers

Q. How do you improve the appearance of a Yugo?
A. Park it between two 914s.

Q. Why do Yugo owners never carry a map?
A. It'll never get far enough to get lost!

Q. What's the difference between a Yugo and the principal's office?
A. It's less embarrassing if your friends see you leaving the principal's office.

Q: What is the sport-version of Yugo?
A: The driver wears Nike shoes.

Q: What do you call a Yugo with twin exhausts?
A: A wheelbarrow

Q: What is the Yugo owner's most ardent wish?
A: To buy a car.

Q: What do you have to do if your Yugo gets in the way of a swarm of killer bees?
A: Stop pushing and take refuge into the car.

Q: What do you call a Yugo with a seat belt?
A: A rucksack

Why were sidewalks invented?
So Yugo owners would have a safe place to walk home.!

Q: How do you make a Yugo go faster uphill?
A: Throw out the passenger.

Link: eBay

Civette: Honda Civic With A Corvette LS1 Drivetrain!

Insane; crazy; audacious; hazardous; call it whatever you want but we’re totally sucked into this conversion that concerns squeezing a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette drivetrain into a… 1996 Honda Civic hatchback! To make a long story short, in order to get his mind off his divorce, this guy decided to spend some time on two written off vehicles that were laying around his garage. Like a modern King Solomon, he decided to cut his babies into two and make something never before seen: a rear-wheel drive Honda Civette V8 LS1. Even though the task seems impossible, he’s determined to complete it without spending a buck.

Undeniably, the most intriguing part of the conversion is the engine that has to be fitted far back. The controversial owner says he used the entire Corvette drivetrain -front suspension, steering, rear suspension minus the subframe. What tops it all is the fact that he’s trying to fit several elements from the Vette’s interior into the Civic’s cabin! Utterly crazy and we love it. We’ll return on this unique project as soon as its finished. Follow the jump for more pictures.

Thanks for the tip Billy!

Via: LS1Tech









Alfa Unveils The 159 Turismo Internazionale In the UK

Alfa Romeo UK announced it’s extending the 159 range with the addition of the sporty TI versions. Short for Turismo Internazionale, the TI badged Alfa 159 line-up benefits from a body kit, lowered sports suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, red Brembo brake callipers all-round, plus chrome effect door mirrors and exhaust which make the lustful Italian sedan simply irresistible. UK buyers can choose among three exterior paintjobs: Alfa Red, Stromboli Grey and Carbonio black. Having seen them all, Carscoop undoubtedly votes for the Alfa Red. -Continued: Click “Read More…” after the jump

Inside the TI models boast electrically adjustable and heated leather front sports seats along with new sports dials, aluminium sports pedals, kick plates and trim inserts. A leather-clad sports steering wheel and gear knob are also included in the sporty specification list. Drivers can choose from three engines, two petrol units: 2.2 JTS and 3.2 JTS V6; and one diesel option: a 2.4 JTDM plus a choice of manual or QTRONIC gearboxes. Additionally, Alfa Romeo’s Q4 4WD system, (standard on the 3.2 JTS V6) can also be specified on the diesel version.

ALFA 159 TI MODEL RANGE & OTR PRICE LIST

Engine----------------------------Saloon -----Sportwagon

2.2 JTS TI -----------------------£23,400 ---£24,500

3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI----------------£29,200 ---£30,300

3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI QTRONIC----£30,650 ---£31,750

2.4 JTDM TI----------------------£25,400--- £26,500

2.4 JTDM TI QTRONIC ---------£26,850---- £27,950

2.4 JTDM Q4 TI ---------------- £27,400 ---£28,500

*Prices are suitably attractive, with all this extra equipment costing just £750 more than the top spec Lusso models

Ultimate Offshore Yacht: BMW DesignworksUSA Collaborates With Yacht Builder Zeydon

Porsche Design beware; BMW’s independently operating design studio, DesignworksUSA just announced that it collaborated with Belgian boat company Zeydon to develop a new generation of offshore yachts. The first result of this strategic partnership is the Zeydon Z60, a luxurious offshore yacht of the 60-foot class that aims to eliminate the gap between offshore yachts and luxury cruisers. DesignworkUSA released a few CGI’s of the offshore yacht so we can get an idea of what they are planning to introduce.

According to BMW’s subsidiary, despite the Zeydon Z60’s dynamic styling, the passengers above and below deck will be able to enjoy every comfort expected of a modern, premium-class cruiser. The company has announced that it will be producing between five and ten yachts per year. -Full press release and high-res pics after the jump


PRESS RELEASE

Munich. Fascinating design, outstanding performance and maximum comfort are the hallmarks of a new generation of offshore yachts currently being developed by the Belgian boat company Zeydon in close cooperation with BMW Group DesignworksUSA. The first result of this strategic partnership is the Zeydon Z60, an offshore yacht of the 60-foot class, combining the sailing performance potential of an offshore yacht with an uncompromising range of equipment features and the elegance of a modern luxury cruiser. In choosing BMW Group DesignworksUSA as a development partner, Zeydon has deliberately pinned its hopes on the company’s diverse and interdisciplinary experience in the field of design strategy, brand communication and product development. The design studio, an independently operating BMW Group subsidiary based in Los Angeles, Singapore and Munich, was already incorporated into the conceptual work during the initial phase of the project. Resulting from this, the requirements expected in the field of design, space provision, hydrodynamics and technology were able to grow into a unique entity in an exceptionally efficient way.

Both concept and design of the Zeydon Z60 spotlighted on eliminating the ever-increasing contrast between offshore yachts and luxury cruisers. Consequently, the aim was to establish a unique category of offshore yachts in the 60-foot class and at the same time symbolise a unique combination of design attributes. Thanks to this resolutely implemented development strategy, the boat, which has been presented as a luxury sports cruiser, was able to fulfil the manifold demands in a most convincing way.

The crew of the Zeydon Z60 are guaranteed a unique sailing experience, without having to accept a compromise in terms of comfort. Regatta-oriented functionality and effortless handling are combined with a generously designed deck area and a range of equipment features, which up to now were usually only found on much larger yachts. The remarkable concept is also distinctively accentuated by the exterior design of the Zeydon Z60. The styling of the hull and the superstructures signalises dynamics. The high-quality materials and styling focussing on precision and optimum functionality right down to the smallest detail reflect inimitable design quality standards, this being in line with the Zeydon Warf’s aspiration to achieve a high standard of workmanship coupled with the utilization of innovative manufacturing methods.

Thanks to its innovative and symbolic design, the Zeydon Z60 is an eye-catcher at any port. Offshore the yacht puts on a convincing show with performance characteristics reaching competitive level. Nevertheless, passengers above and below deck are still able to enjoy every comfort expected of a modern, premium-class cruiser. With the Zeydon Z60 yachting enthusiasts are being offered something really innovative and exclusive. The company has announced that it will be producing between five and ten yachts per year.

With their commitment to this unique yacht building project, the experts from BMW Group DesignworksUSA have once again clearly demonstrated their outstanding conceptual and creative know-how. Through its design competence, which reaches far beyond the transport and automobile sector, the BMW Group subsidiary has acquired an excellent reputation worldwide. In addition to its activities for the BMW Group, the international design team works for a number of big names from the field of IT and consumer electronics, aviation, lifestyle and medical. When developing design concepts and strategies, top priority is given not only to product design, but also to the understanding of the desires and needs of consumers. As a result of these attributes BMW Group DesignworksUSA provides its clients with valuable incentives for the entire development process, a vital factor for the success of corporate objectives.

Edo Competition Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

…or how to spend a few extra thousand bucks on your limited edition Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 to make it a tad more special than the one your next door neighbor parks outside. Beats us why someone would want to muck around with a jewel like the LP640 but we're not millionaires so whatev. Compared to the factory version, Edo Competition’s LP640 features a recalibrated ECU, special high-flow air filters, new high-performance catalytic converters, an exhaust butterfly valve control (remote-controlled on request), a high-flow muffler and new stainless steel exhaust tips. These modifications added another 23Hp to the stock 6.5-liter V12 engine raising output to 663Hp while maximum torque’s up by 15Nm to 675Nm.

Wanna hear something funny? Get this; while the stock LP640 sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.4 sec and reaches a top speed of 340 km/h (211mph), Edo’s version accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in… 3.8 sec! However to be fair, it does boast a slightly higher maximum speed -348km/h (216mph). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

Engine revisions apart, Edo offers a specially designed rear wing with adjustable lip, custom paint job for the wheels (on request) and minor interior mods including a rear view camera Carbon fiber interior trim.




Technical data - Lamborghini Murcièlago LP640

Engine

6.5 ltr. V12 cylinder

Output

663HP / (487.5 kW) at 7.800 U/min

Max. Torque

675 Nm at 5.600 U/min

Performance

Top speed est. 348 km/h (216 mph)

0 – 100 km/h (0 - 62 mph) est. 3.8 s

Features

Engine:

  • ECU recalibration
  • Special high-flow air filters
  • Newly designed high-performance catalytic converters
  • New exhaust butterfly valve control (remote-controlled on request)
  • New high-flow muffler
  • New stainless steel exhaust tips

Body:

  • Specially designed rear wing with adjustable lip

Wheels:

  • Custom paint on request

Interior:

  • Rear view camera
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • Carbon fiber interior trim

Unbelievable: 84-Year-Old Drove 67 Years Without A Drivers License!

You better believe it because according to a report from Reuters, an 84-year-old Dutchman was caught by police in a random check driving an uninsured car without a license. To their surprise the unnamed man had never obtained a driver’s licence in his entire life. The man admitted that he had been driving illegally for… 67 years, yes that’s right, sixty-seven years!

But how the heck can someone pull off a trick like this? Well, according to Dutch media, the 84-year-old man managed to stay undetected for so many… decades because he had never got a speeding ticket or been involved in a car accident! The Dutchman promised police he would ditch his car after the incident. But honestly now, wouldn’t you prefer to have an unlicensed driver on the road that’s as careful as they get rather than have to deal with all those licensed idiots?

Via: Reuters

Long-Term Test: Edmund's Fleet Enhanced With A 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi!

Bravo guys! This is the kind of stuff we like to read. Sure the 2012 Ferrarinio Lascatola 467 GTS is great and so is the all-new Toyota Noprobmelolla, but what about under paid petrolheads like ourselves, is there no magical solution for us? Of course there is; how about a used supercar, you know, the ones that made us sprinkle our beds in lust in our pre-adolescent years but cost as much as a Toyota Camry today.

But wait, haven’t we already thought about that? Of course we did but who’d risk buying a used Ferrari without having the slightest clue of its running costs or the problems involved in owning one? We wouldn’t. And that’s the thought behind Edmunds project. Buy a $28.000 Ferrari 308 GTSi and see if turns out a dream come true or an Italian nightmare with incalculable losses.

Links: Edmunds & Insideline

Ferrari P4/5: James Glickenhaus And His Hot Italian Mistress


We’re sure you remember it; the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina, a one-off commissioned by American collector, James Glickenhaus, initially released to the public at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours followed by an international debut at the 2006 Paris Show. The P4/5 project started off in 2005 when Glickenhaus purchased a $1m Ferrari Enzo which he immediately sent to Pininfarina's Italian design studio for a complete makeover.

Being a fan and an owner of a rebuilt Ferrari 330 P3/4, Glickenhaus ordered Pininfarina to create a modern interpretation of the legendary 60’s race car. Obviously, to say that Pininfarnia simply covered the Enzo with a new outfit is the definition of an understatement. Check out this unique supercar in action and see what Glickenhaus has to say about it in this video that was shot by Jynxproductions in Westchester County for the German car show “auto motor and sport tv”. -Ferrari P4/5 High-Res Wallpapers after the jump

Thanks for the tip Johannes!