Saturday, December 31, 2011

Acura NSX supercar to produce 400bhp - roadster version planned

British print magazine AutoExpress has reported the long overdue supercar aimed to compete with the Audi R8 will output 400 bhp (406 PS / 298 kW).

Source: http://feeds.worldcarfans.com/~r/worldcarfans/Jxfz/~3/F336nf8znbI/acura-nsx-supercar-to-produce-400bhp---roadster-version

Karl Gunther Bechem Jean Behra Derek Bell Stefan Bellof Paul Belmondo Tom Belso

Austin and Ty Dillon partner with TAG Heuer Avant-Garde Eyewear

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2011/12/austin-and-ty-dillon-partner-with-tag.html

Bernard Haenggeli Philipp Hafeneger Kensuke Haga Noriyuki Haga Josef Hage Andreas Hahn

Moto GP Germany





Round 10 of the Moto GP world championship took place under the sweltering summer sun in Germany at the Sachsenring track on the 15th July. Many feared that tyres would be a deciding factor as the excessive heat might cause the tyres to break up over the 30 lap race.

On pole started the Australian chamipionship leading Ducati rider Casey Stoner out to prove that being on pole is not cursed as many fear and the only way he could do that was to win. Starting in a very good 2nd position on the grid was Dani Pedrosa on his Repsol Honda and alongside him closing out the front row was Marco Melandri on his Gresini Honda. Randy de Puniet started in 4th place on his Kawasaki, lining up next to him was the American John Hopkins on his Rizla Suzuki and aside him the ever-threatening Valentino Rossi on his Fiat Yamaha. Following these top 6 riders from qualifying was, in order, Loris Capirossi, Alex Barros, Sylvain Guintoli, Shinya Nakano closing out the top 10 and Chris Vermeulen started in 11th. Nicky Hayden started way down in 14th place, his team having already apologised to the Texas Tornado for not providing him with a decent bike for the weekend as he had struggled with various problems since Friday.

Dani Pedrosa got off to a good start and led into turn one, Casey Stoner in 2nd place and bringing up 3rd was Marco Melandri, coming out in 4th after the 1st corner was John Hopkins. On lap 2 Marco Melandri got passed Stoner who didn't seem to put up too much of a fight. Casey Stoner re-passed Melandri at the end of lap 2 and then got passed Dani Pedrosa as well, but only for a few metres as Pedrosa came straight back at him to re-take the lead of the German Moto GP. With 3 laps gone Carlos Checa went down but was able to eventually get his bike back up and into the pits. There his team changed his gear lever which had broken and he went back out onto the track with his race obviously over.

Valentino Rossi found himself stuck behind the green Kawasaki of Randy de Puniet and not being able to find a way past the Frenchman. Chris Vermeulen's race was effectively over as it was announced that he needed to serve a "driver-through" penalty for jumping the start of the race. Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli's race came to an early end as he crashed out with 26 laps to go.

Then came one of the most important parts of the race. Valentino Rossi pushed too hard into a corner trying to pass on the inside of Randy de Puniet and he and his bike went down sliding across the asphalt and into the gravel trap. Rossi struggled with his bike to try and get back into the race but simply couldn't; his handlebars were broken in the fall.

With a full 22 laps left in the race Dani Pedrosa was already starting to pull away from Casey Stoner and his Ducati with his lead being extended to slightly more than 0.8 seconds. On lap 10 Alex Barros crashed out on his Ducati, his race over immediately while he clutched his injured right hand tightly to his chest to avoid further injury to it. With 14 laps to go Nicky Hayden passes fellow American Colin Edwards while the gap from Pedrosa's Repsol Honda to Aussie Stoner's Ducati had grown to as much as over 2.5 seconds. With 12 laps left of the race not only was Stoner falling further and further back from away from the Spaniard Pedrosa, who was now lapping the German track 2 seconds faster than the Australian, but he was now comeing into the clutches of the chasing Marco Melandri and Loris Capirossi. Into corner one of the Sachsenring gp track Stoner became the center of a Capirossi and Melandri sandwich as they both tried to pass him, Melandri taking the outside line and Capirossi the inside. Melandri ran wide though and had to abort the pass while Capirossi went through and up into 2nd place.

While Dani Pedrosa rode unchallenged at front heading to his first win in over a year, the rest of the pack were fighting for the final positions and points. With 9 laps left in the race Marco Melandri managed to pass the defending Stoner who was clearly just trying to hang on with his tyres having fallen away drastically by now. He now was in damage limitation mode with both Nicky Hayden and John Hopkins closing in on the current championship leader. On lap 23 the flying Texas Tornado was able to get passed both John Hopkins and Casey Stoner, Hayden's compatriot Colin Edwards was also able to pass the other American John Hopkins. With 6 laps to go Nicky Hayden even managed to pass Marco Melandri for the final podium spot, having started way down in 14th place. With 4 laps left Casey Stoner passed Marco Melandri for 5th position.

So, the top 7 race positions:

1) Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda)

2) Loris Capirossi (Ducati)

3) Nikcy Hayden (Repsol Honda)

4) Colin Edwards

5) Casey Stoner

6) Marco Melandri

7) John Hopkins




Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/lRgzTn7xNx3/Moto+GP+Germany

Toshihiko Honma John Hopkins Karl Hoppe David Horton Alois Huber Klaus Huber

Red Bull reflect on another year of glory

Red Bull won both the drivers' and constructors' championships for the second successive year in 2011. Here, design chief Adrian Newey and team principal Christian Horner talk to me about their plans for 2012 and praise the dedication, hunger and desire of Sebastian Vettel, who became the youngest ever double world champion.

In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/murraywalker/2011/12/red_bull_reflect_on_another_ye.html

Nicky Hayden James Haydon Dirk Heidolf Franz Heller John Hempleman Pat Hennen

1st Annual Riders Above Dirt Awards

Carey Hart received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" during the 1st ever R.A.D. (Riders Above Dirt) Awards. Held at Pala Casino in Pala, CA, The R.A.D. Awards replaced the defunct AFMXA Awards. Pro Skater and radio host Jason Ellis hosted the event, while the sports top FMX stars presented the awards which inluded: Nate Adams, Jeremy Twitch Stenberg, Mike Mason, Ronnie Faisst and many more of the top stars. Proceeds from the event benefited the Chris Ackerman Foundation, a spinal cord injury assitance organization.

Winners from the 1st Annual R.A.D. Awards:

Source: http://www.supercross.com/features/1st-annual-riders-above-dirt-awards

Luca Badoer Giancarlo Baghetti Julian Bailey Mauro Baldi Bobby Ball Marcel Balsa

Report: How Kim Jong-il's final ride came to be in a Lincoln

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Kim Jong-Il funeral procession

The funeral of Kim Jong-il made for a big story internationally, but in true Autoblog fashion, we were just as interested in the classic cars that figured prominently in the procession. Of particular interest was a 1970s Lincoln limousine that carried the deceased leader's casket - but not because it was some sort of rare classic that would fetch millions at Barrett Jackson.

Instead, many wondered how the North Koreans managed to obtain the vehicle in the first place. After all, the U.S. and North Korea aren't exactly cozy, as evidenced by the 58-year old armistice that is still in effect. Was it a Russian ride that was converted to look like a Lincoln? Was it a genuine Lincoln smuggled into the country?

The good folks at TheDetroitBureau.com did some digging, and they think they've found the answer. TDB contacted the former head of Ford of Japan to ask how the vehicle could have ended up in North Korean possession, and the answer could stem from a rogue dealer from Japan. Their source claims that one or more Japanese Ford dealers was rumored to be shipping vehicles to North Korea, in spite of Japanese laws that forbid exports to the communist country.

There is no way of knowing if this educated guess is the definitive explanation of how Kim Jong-il's Lincoln ended up in North Korea, but it's certainly as as good as any we have heard.

How Kim Jong-il's final ride came to be in a Lincoln originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/how-kim-jong-ils-final-ride-came-to-be-in-a-lincoln/

Philipp Hafeneger Kensuke Haga Noriyuki Haga Josef Hage Andreas Hahn Richard Haidegger

How much did NASCAR's Chase drivers make?

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/12/18/1719434/how-much-did-nascars-chase-drivers.html

Elie Bayol Don Beauman Karl Gunther Bechem Jean Behra Derek Bell Stefan Bellof

Opel Insignia Sport Tourer CrossFour images leaked

Rumor has it that Opel is taking a stab at Audi's A4 allroad and VW's Passat alltrack cross variants with their own Insignia Sports Tourer Crossfour.

Source: http://feeds.worldcarfans.com/~r/worldcarfans/Jxfz/~3/eSkGyz46JQA/opel-insignia-sport-tourer-crossfour-images-leaked

John Hopkins Karl Hoppe David Horton Alois Huber Klaus Huber Brett Hudson

Simoncelli Champion in Sepang, killed Sepang

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http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/219395/images/simoncelli-pits.jpg

http://agungsevi.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/marco-simoncelli.jpg

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Kuala Lumpur - Travel careers Marco Simoncelli in the primary classroom not long motorcycle grand prix. He died while diving the race at the Sepang circuit, where he had made sure he became a world champion.

Simoncelli, 24, died after falling off his motorbike on the second lap MotoGP Malaysia, Sunday (10/23/2011), after she was then hit by two other drivers speeding behind him, namely Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.

He had an ambulance was rushed to hospital, but his soul can not be saved. When the horrific incident took place, regardless of his helmet to his head.

Death rider San Carlo Gresini Honda team was the worst in MotoGP since Daijiro Katoh, which Gresini rider, died of injuries from the Japanese series 2003. September last season, the drivers of the Moto2 class, namely Showa Tomizawa, also lost their lives on the track racing.

No less surprising, the new week in the world racing accident that killed a participant, ie And Wheldon, the IndyCar British event in Las Vegas.

Simoncelli really was knitting a bright career in MotoGP, after finishing eighth last season, completing 16 of 18 races in that year.

In this season he proved many people predicted that he will be one rider to be reckoned with. The proof, he was able to finish fifth in the series opener in Qatar, also in France and Italy. He earned his first podium when he became the third fastest rider in the Czech Republic.

Simoncelli more stable when consecutive series in fourth place in San Marino, Aragon, and Japan. In the series-16 at Phillip Island, Australia, he managed to reach its highest achievement, which was runner-up (behind Casey Stoner).

In addition to a promising talent, quirky guy with hair kribonya it also often sparked controversy. Racing style is considered "gratuitous", more than bold, and several times the assessed harm other drivers.

One of the most dangerous action is when brushed with Dani Pedrosa at Le Mans. Pedrosa injured collarbone, and he was sentenced to ride-through penalty. Initially Simoncelli dodge blame for the crash, but later admitted that he needs to do a reflection on the style of racing.

Before moving to MotoGP, Simoncelli had been a European champion in the 125cc class. He entered the Grand Prix level in 2002 with Aprilia in the 125cc class. Her achievements are always rises: from finishing number 33 to 21, 11, and five in 2005.

In 2006 The Kribo recruited to the 250cc Gilera, and in summer 2008 he managed to become world champion. Certainty grabbed it acquired title when he finished third in the race at Sepang.

Simoncelli in the Sepang well "acquainted" with the MotoGP, as the new Honda rider in the 2010 season. On the circuit he fell twice in the official trials. The incident is the second to destroy his helmet.

And today, Sunday (23/10/2011), Simoncelli back to Sepang but to "say goodbye" to fans and fans of MotoGP. He died in a high speed.

Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/2-2bWqcTAZ5/Simoncelli+Champion+Sepang+killed+Sepang

Fernando Alonso Giovanna Amati George Amick Red Amick Chris Amon Bob Anderson

Followup: Infiniti QX-powered boat continues construction

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1962 Chris Craft hull getting ready for Infiniti QX power

Over the summer, we posted on a project being undertaken by students at the Tennessee Technical Center-Nashville and Nashville State Community College: prepare a 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 from an Infiniti QX56 for seafaring duty in a 20-foot Chris-Craft.

The engine's transformation is nearly complete, but it seems the boat needs a great deal more work. The pleasure craft, which dates from 1962, has already has three other marinized engines from car manufacturers, a Lincoln and two Chrysler Hemi powerplants. The gents at Freeport Boat Outlet in Freeport, Maine are overseeing the wooden hull restoration and have said that 85 percent of the mahogany will need replacing.

When it's finally finished, the QX lump with water-cooled manifolds and a closed cooling system will be mated with a ZF/Hurth marine transmission and tested back at Infiniti HQ. Assuming all goes well, the hull will get an SUV's worth of Infiniti luxuries and be married to its engine. In the meantime, the name of the boat is being put to the public, so have a read of the press release after the jump for all the details. Then, come summer, keep an eye out for a very slick watercraft plying Tennessee's lakes.

Continue reading Infiniti QX-powered boat continues construction

Infiniti QX-powered boat continues construction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/infiniti-qx-powered-boat-continues-construction/

Henry Banks Fabrizio Barbazza John Barber Skip Barber Paolo Barilla Rubens Barrichello

Lotus Exige R-GT Rally gets first track test

After making its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past September, Lotus Motorsport has taken the Exige R-GT, the Rally version of the new Exige S, out of the nest so it can spread it wings for the first time.

Source: http://feeds.worldcarfans.com/~r/worldcarfans/Jxfz/~3/MP8fW7giqbI/lotus-exige-r-gt-rally-gets-first-track-test

James Haydon Dirk Heidolf Franz Heller John Hempleman Pat Hennen Manuel Hern·ndez

Simoncelli Sepang Crash


Italian motorcyclist Marco Simoncelli has been tragically killed in a crash during today's Malaysian Moto GP, race organisers have confirmed.

The Gresini Honda rider lost control of his bike on the second lap of the circuit in Sepang and appeared to be hit by Colin Edwards and then Valentino Rossi as he slid across the track.

The fatal incident comes just a week after British IndyCar racing driver Dan Wheldon died after crashing in Las Vegas

The 24-year-old's helmet came off in the collision and he was taken to the medical centre for treatment, but his injuries were too serious.

A message on the MotoGP website read: 'Marco Simoncelli succumbed to injuries sustained in Malaysia.'

Newly-crowned champion Casey Stoner admitted watching the accident made him worried for Simoncelli, who was later pronounced dead.

'As soon as I saw the footage it just makes you sick inside,' the Australian told BBC2.
'Whenever the helmet comes off that's not a good sign.'

Tony Elias, Moto2 world champion, said he was praying the injuries to Simoncelli were not serious before learning the devastating news.

'We just hope Marco is OK - that's my wish,' he said.

The organisers confirmed the race was cancelled, having halted it immediately after the fatal incident.

Deadly: The rider (No 58) is seen sliding from his bike and colliding with two other riders in a horrifying crash

Moment of horror: Simoncelli loses control on the secon

Disaster: Simoncelli fatally falls off of his Honda after colliding into Colin Edwards

Fall: Edwards spins off the track along with Simoncelli's bike as the 24-year-old Italian devastatingly lies motionless


Race marshalls attend to Honda rider Simoncelli (C) following his fatal crash just four minutes after the start of the Malaysian MotoGP race


Devastated: Colin Edwards of the US who was involved in the crash stands at the side of the track after the fatal crash

A bulletin from the organisers, reported on website Autosport, said: 'Race cancelled as the medical centre staff is focusing on treating Marco Simoncelli and track action cannot be resumed in the current circumstances.'

It was confirmed on MotoGP's official website that he died at 4.56pm local time.

Tributes came in pouring in from his fellow riders soon after the incident.

British MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow wrote on Twitter: 'RIP Marco Simoncelli ! A great rider and all round nice guy. My thoughts are with all his family & friends. I will never forget today.'


Agony: Marco Simoncelli's father is comforted as he waits outside a medical centre where the rider was taken following a crash at the Malaysian Grand Prix


Crew members of the Honda team of Marco Simoncelli of Italy console each other as they gather outside a medical centre where the rider was taken following a crash at the Malaysian Grand Prix


Wheeled away: Track officials remove Simoncelli's motorcycle after the dreadful accident

Last week British IndyCar racing driver Dan Wheldon died after he was catapulted helplessly into the air in a 225mph smash before landing on a barrier and suffering fatal head injuries.

Just days earlier the father-of-two joined a number of other drivers in expressing the fears over the speed of cars and overcrowding on the oval-shaped track.

But in a blog post, he had promised fans he would go out to win and put on a show of 'pure entertainment'.


The organisers cancelled the race when the extent of Simoncelli's injuries become apparent, having halted it immediately after the accident

Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/52ik-GT85dS/Simoncelli+Sepang+Crash

Ken Kavanagh John Kocinski Pentti Korhonen Tomoyoshi Koyama Ewald Kluge Bruno Kneub¸hler

Friday, December 30, 2011

Leslie Locke 50732X80 Laguna 32-Inch-by-80-Inch Security Storm Door, Black

Leslie Locke 50732X80 Laguna 32-Inch-by-80-Inch Security Storm Door, Black

Laguna – click on the image below for more information.

  • Double hole lockbox with 2-3/8-Inch backset (lockset not included)
  • Tested and rated to withstand up to 250-Pounds of force
  • Mounts outside of door jamb for easy installation, 3/4-Inch square frame, 1-Inch square jamb
  • Galvanized expanded metal screen for added security
  • One year warranty

Laguna

Elegant center scroll combined with twisted vertical bars gives the Laguna security door a touch of style while retaining a clean, classic look. The corrosion resistant galvanized metal screen and baked-on powder coat finish provide lasting appeal. Welded steel construction and welded steel butt hinges add strength and durability. Flystrap included on lock and hinge side. This door is reversible for left-hung or right-hung doors. Leslie-Locke offers a full line of high quality steel security doo


Leslie Locke 50732X80 Laguna 32-Inch-by-80-Inch Security Storm Door, Black

Click on the button for more Laguna information and reviews.

Do you find what you need? Look here!

Laguna-5
Laguna

Image by Dexuuu


Ducati Island Laguna Seca 2011 Pre-race Show

For 2011, Ducati decided to share the Ducati Island experience with the world with this special Ducati Island Laguna Seca pre-race show.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/fZVHn4ka9fY/Leslie+Locke+50732X80+Laguna+32+Inch+80+Inch

Giorgio Bassi Erwin Bauer Zsolt Baumgartner Elie Bayol Don Beauman Karl Gunther Bechem

Austin and Ty Dillon partner with TAG Heuer Avant-Garde Eyewear

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2011/12/austin-and-ty-dillon-partner-with-tag.html

Mike Hailwood Mike Hale Ross Hannan Osmo Hansen Gregg Hansford Tetsuya Harada

Silly season hits insane proportions

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2011/12/silly-season-hits-insane-proportions.html

Ernst Hiller Eric Hinton Harry Hinton Osamu Hiwatashi Gary Hocking Alex Hofmann

BMW 1-Series 3-door


In mid 2011, BMW unveiled the 1-Series Sport and Urban Line models, both of which featured five-door configurations. But what about a three-door version? Well, that will be available too, only we’ll have to wait until sometime during the summer of 2012.

A few leaked patent designs revealed that the three-door version of the 1-Series line will feature a pulled back B-pillar, angled towards the rear of the vehicle, and the absence of rear doors. An arcing roof combined with an arcing side glass will give the impression of a shooting brake model.

As far as power goes, the new 1-Series three door model will have an engine lineup similar to that of the five-door version: a 1.6 liter four-cylinder in-line engine delivering either 136 or 170 HP and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder in-line diesel with either 116, 143, or 184 HP.

More details on the future BMW 1-Series 3-Door will follow shortly, so stay tuned!

BMW 1-Series 3-door originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 December 2011 17:00 EST.

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Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw/2013-bmw-1-series-3-door-ar122335.html

John Dowd John Draper Doug Dubach Ryan Dungey Vic Eastwood Daryl Ecklund