News - Hamilton will race for Mercedes AMG

It was recently announced that British f1 racer Lewis Hamilton will be leaving the McLaren team and will replace the seven champ  Schumacher that will leave Mercedes after a not very successful three year comeback to formula one, having had only one podium (3rd in Valencia).Schumacher´s future in not certain as he has no confirmed team for the 2013 season.

Hamilton started driving for McLaren on the start of the 2007 season partnering Fernando Alonso, since then Hamilton won 20 races (up to the writing of this post) and won the 2008 championship.

He will be leaving McLaren on good hands though, as it was announced that Sauber´s Sergio Perez will race alongside Jenson Button.



Some consider that Hamilton is choosing the wrong side, McLaren (7 races won)  has seen a far better season than Mercedes AMG´s (1 race won). But i agree with the Brit when he said "Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share"

2013 will surely be an interesting season as Sergio Perez has shown he has the capacity to be a winner and Hamilton is always a menacing race-winning driver. Lets see what happens to die-hard Schumacher that is understanding about the decision and is very happy about the three years lived with Mercedes.
Sauber is not rushed about their decision for the next season and hopes that Perez will finish a great 2012 season with them.

¿What do you think about the transactions? Comment below and share the post!

Events- The glittering Salon Privé

Last week (5th to 7th September) the supercar concours
d´elegance called Salon Privé was celebrated in Syon Park, 10 miles from london click here for more info on the venue, the place is the London home to The 12th Duke of Northumberland (has been on the family for 400 years), it is surrounded by 200 acres of parkland that was filled with rarity cars and debuts.




Salon Privé could be considered as England´s pebble beach concours or so, but probably more exclusive,  as the entrance costs a bit more than $300 (£200), for that money, goers get an exclusive date with a great chunk of automotive porn and all you can eat (or rather drink) champagne and lobster.


At Salon Privé, young concepts to enter the automotive high circles met their ancestors, and got a chance to prove themselves. This year the show got more special guests ( i didnt think that was possible) as the complete ROFGO Gulf Collection was in display, the collection counts with cars that range in age from 1967 to 2010, it counts with cars like a 1967 Mirage, 1970 Porsche 908/3, 2008 Aston Martin DBR9 and 1972 McLaren M20. Read on about the collection here.

  
A part of the collection shown at the Retromobile exhibition in Paris


Viewers also got an opportunity to admire  a collection of F40s, and other cars like Mercedes SLs, Lambos, Buggatis and much much more.

Ferrari F40s

Lambo Miura S

Mercedes SLs

But what about the new machines, right? Well they didn´t fall short as seen in the Aston Martin stand, where the all new V12 Vantage Roadster was debuted, other new cars included the Rimac Concept-One electric supercar, suspected to be the fastest electric supercar; rare croatian supercar maker Tushek's Renovatio T500; Bentley´s fastest, the GT Speed. Showgoers also got a view to stands by Noble, Range Rover, Bentley and other outstanding high class marques.

Rimac Concept-One

Renovatio T500

Bentley

Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, finest car porn ever

Maserati  MC12

Aston Zagato


Comment on your favourite car from the pictures.

Sources & Pictures:

http://www.topgear.com

http://carbuzz.com/

http://www.gtspirit.com

http://www.carsuk.net

http://www.salonprivelondon.com/

F1- Hamilton mastered Monza over the weekend

 

I just finished watching the Italian GP at Monza and realized the demolition the Brit caused over the weekend, getting first in 2 practices, the pole and -obviously- the race.

Hamilton in the Qualifying  race

But he was not the only winner, Mexican Sergio Pérez did an outstanding race getting second after having started 12th, Sauber proved they are not to be tossed aside with the underdogs.

Ferrari also ended happily as Alonso ended third climbing from the 10th place  and reassuring his first place at the overall ranking for this season, he was followed by Massa closely as he ended 4th

01. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1h19:41.221
02. Perez Sauber-Ferrari + 4.356
03. Alonso Ferrari + 20.594
04. Massa Ferrari + 29.667
05. Raikkonen Lotus-Renault + 30.881
06. Schumacher Mercedes + 31.259
07. Rosberg Mercedes + 33.550
08. Di Resta Force India-Mercedes + 41.057
09. Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari + 43.898
11. Senna Williams-Renault + 48.144
12. Maldonado Williams-Renault + 48.682
10. Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari + 50.316
13. d'Ambrosio Lotus-Renault + 1:15.861
14. Kovalainen Caterham-Renault + 1 lap
15. Petrov Caterham-Renault + 1 lap
16. Pic Marussia-Cosworth + 1 lap
17. Glock Marussia-Cosworth + 1 lap
18. De la Rosa HRT-Cosworth + 1 lap
19. Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth + 1 lap
20. Webber Red Bull-Renault + 2 laps
21. Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes + 3 laps
22. Vettel Red Bull-Renault + 6 laps
Did Not Finish
Button McLaren-Mercedes 32
Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 8 Remember that if a driver gets out of the race having completed more than 90% of it he will still get a result (based on estimations)


The race proved to be rough as we had lots of disappointments , Jenson Button´s  race ended in lap 34 because of a suspected fuel pick up problem. Toro Rosso´s Vergne had a little crash and had to retire, team Red Bull ended with both drivers in the bottom as Vettel got out at lap 50 and Webber followed him 2 laps later.

Vergne escaped an injury but said that he had back and head pains

Alonso gave a great show at the podium speaking in Italian and filming the crowds with a TV camera, he gave a more "personal" feeling to f1 one that I hope is repeated.









Keep on reading:
http://www.planetf1.com/driver/3213/8067765/Alonso-Nothing-to-say-about-Seb
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2012/9/13780.html
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102400

I would have wanted more from Schumacher and Räikkönen (he didn't play very aggressively and could have done better, I believe)
I liked Maldonado´s race as he climed from 22nd to 11th and drove withocomplication.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best) how would you rate the race?  Which driver did you like the most? Comment your answers below!

News - Trident to debut the Iceni at Salon Privé

The British sports car maker has decided to shock the world of supercars with its new product, the all new Iceni grand tourer is warming up for its debut at the Salon Privé, a supercar concours d´elegance (more on it later)

This car shocked me tremendously, everything on it is curvy!The car has the perfect combination of masculine roadster and classy British sports car. 

The connection between the front and the back is something rarely seen in a roadster, but once again Trident pulled it off without ruining the car.

The Iceni will be using Trident´s patented Torque Multiplication technology, and will reach a top speed of over 190mph, doing 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds, the chassis is folded stainless steel.

Trident will start taking orders for the car (you will need around £75,000) in the cars debut at the Salon Prive (5th - 7th Sep. 2012)

Spyker-Youngman deal may see the Spyker D8 Peking-to-paris born and saab revived

A new deal proposed is waiting some resolutions by the Youngman side, the deal basically puts in production the Spyker D8 SUV in an attempt to help spyker on its struggle and also revive Saab.

Spyker was a Dutch coach builder company that lived from the 1880s until 1926 also known for aviating engines (logo related to that part of the company's history).

In 1999 a Dutch company revived the name and started producing sports cars. 290 cars where sold between 2000-2010, the yearly peak was 94 in 2006 .

The current model lineup contains the C8 Aileron and Aileron Spyder. But although producing some sexy, quick, extravagant cars ( yes, i want one ! Do you?  A car costs around $210,000 at base price)

Spyker C8 Aileron

Spyker is having tough times, it owns saab after this brand folded and was left without a powertrain supplier ( we might as well  add no money to the list). At the moment the company is looking desperartely for a chance to revive Saab whilst saving itself,  this deal may be their chance.

The complicated deal, if achieved will basically ( in very VERY rough terms) have Youngman putting the money and Spyker the tech and cars, the D8 will show up for sale at the end of 2014 and Youngman will give the Saab Phoenix platform (sold to them by saab in separate deal) for production (apparently, WE HOPE)

Spyker D8 Peking-to-Pairs

The phoenix concept first appeared at Geneva in 2011, it is an AWD gasoline-electric hybrid and looks sexy as hell.

The deal is a juicy and complicated one, we hope this will work out as both the Phoeniz and D8 look promising.

More of saab at this great post:www.carbuzz.com/news/2011/12/24/Who-Killed-Saab-7706477/

Source:

CarBuzz

Another great loss for the car world, Philippe Bugalski

A week ago Philippe Bugalski passed away after a fall in his house in Vichy, he was the first rally driver to take a prize for Citroen at the WRC, he started racing for Citroen full time in 1998 after working in Renault in 1994, Bugalski won three consecutive French tournaments from 1998 to 2000.
He was considered a gentleman and was known as Le Petit bug for his small stature, he is survived by his wife and two daughters.




Read on at:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/101767
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120812/wrc/120819961
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippe_Bugalski

Awards- Motor Trend 2012 best driver´s car

Motor Trend has chosen!

The 2012 best driver´s car contest had representatives from all sizes, countries, colours and styles.

The challenge had a wide range too! The least powerful car was the Subaru BRZ and the most powerful the Lambo Aventador LP-700 (691 hp)

9th:

"In conclusion, the Aventador was a big (seriously), fat (surprisingly) disappointment in how it measures up as a driver's car."

The Aventador gave problems with brakes at laguna seca, is heavy, Motor Trend gave the size issue a lot of importance.

8th

"There's a very numb, very disconnected feel," says Mortara. Kiino adds, "The steering is nice, but too light. And it always feels the same no matter how hard you're pushing the car. Kind of artificial, really."

The car looked and sounded great but just didn't feel complete.

7th

"The GT500's brakes simply aren't up to the job at hand..."Fun car -- it just won't stop once the brakes get hot."

Although the car is a classic and well represented american muscle and has great power and specs, brakes are needed!

6th

"The weight is a constant issue. Says Markus, "It's 2 tons of car when I want 1.5!...you can't see out of the damn thing and the interior is cheap."

5th

Motor Trend criticized the cars driving aids " you're really not driving it that well, bub. The car is doing all these things for you. "
4th 

So by now you must be waiting for the damn Subaru right? Well the underpowered cheap  BRZ was our revelation of the contest, it is an example of David vs Goliath (s)

 

"Of course, the BRZ didn't win. It came in fourth. A great showing, but still only the leader of the mid-pack. Aside from mild on-track brake fade, the real culprit was lack of power. It's just not that quick and you find yourself wanting more"

3rd

"The downside that I felt was pretty prominent was mid-corner understeer. This car does not like power and steering... The 2013 version of Godzilla ... shows up to this year's dance packing more power and torque (up 15 each, to 545 hp and 463 lb-ft of torque), a retuned suspension, and a reprogrammed transmission. Yet the 2012 iteration finished in second place and the new one came in third."

2nd

"A huge surprise. I love this car. I didn't expect to love this car so much. It is really hooked-up. The cornering is well-balanced. It's extremely powerful, but it still puts the power down well. It's got enough power that you've got to be responsible with your right foot."

And the grand winner....

"That's what I'm talking about! Right there! Holy cow, it makes all these other cars seem stupid! This 911 is so good, it just blows my mind! What a great driving car!"

Sources:
Motor Trend (+PICS)

Events- Saoutchik class at Pebble Beach looked great

This year Pebble Beach rendered coach builder Jacques Saoutchik, he was born in Minsk, but when 18 years old he went to Paris and started his coach-building company. Saotchik iconic brands like Delhaye and Ferrari, but by 1955 the company ceased production, this year´s class at the concours shows what an impecable Coachbuilder the company was.

For example lets take the WINNER of this 2012 edition, one of the few Mercs S80 designed by the coach builders. The S80 amazingly also won the special Saoutchik class. The car was first featured at the NY auto show in 1928, and was able to perform arround 200 and 300 horsepower; the car is owned by Texans Paul & Judy Andrews and received full restoration worthy of the amazing prize.

Another worthy example? That would be the Saoutchik Hispano-Suiza H6C Dubonnet Xenia Streamliner (long name huh? Many collaborations!) 

Or the 1949 Delahaye 135 M Saoutchik Cabriolet, winner of the most elegant convertible:

 

 Saoutchik even designed for Cadillac, creating the astounding yet elegant and calm 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Saoutchik Cabriolet styling   a funky deep purple coat

Read on about Saoutchik´s work at: www.coachbuild.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=50&g2_itemId=28052

Sources:

www.coachbuild.com

http://automotive.speedtv.com/

http://www.autoweek.com

http://www.motorauthority.com (photo resources)

Events- Pebble Beach results

Every year since 1950 the most praised cars around the globe go to Pebble Beach, California to show off. This gives a one of a time spectacle and gives the opportunity to classic car enthusiasts to enjoy the great cars shown in the Concours d´elegance. Go through the 60 years of the concours at pebblebeachconcours.net/pages/3009

The 2012 edition of the auto show  was one filled with great cars and reveations like the stunning 1928 Mercedes Benz 680S (Winner of best in show).

 Every year pebble beach organizers choose a featured marque, and this year, to pay respct to a man that did a lot to the car world who passed away a few months ago, Carrol Shelby, the Shelby Cobra was chosen. The AC Cobra class winner was a 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Competition Roadster 

The auto show also served automakers to show new concepts, like BMW and the breathtaking Zagato Coupe, Z-4 based roadster debuted and caused sensation in the media.

BEST IN SHOW : 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo

Full class list: http://www.pebblebeachconcours.net/pages/5070/2012_Winners_List.htm

Concepts- The supercar killer from the 90s is (going to be) back, all new Honda NSX

The Honda NSX was a supercar killer, it was born in the 90s and until it was put out of production in 2005 it dedicated itself to make italian supercars executives sweat, when the NSX was born ferraris weren't what they are now, they where unreliable and hard to drive. That is why the japanese creation was not such a bad idea, it was a success filled car, winning the Best car of the year award only one year later of being launched (1991), but although lots of praise, the car did have some failures and due to economical reasons Honda ceased production of the mighty car, since then everywone has waited for the moment where the all new NSX  appears, the wait has finished.

Programmed for production in 2015, the new NSX looks promising, and, as did the old one, it is revolutionary, it will use new hybrid electric  4WD honda tech, the car is merely in concept state, but in three more years the new NSX will be again raging against the competition, the car will use the Acura badge and has already been shown in numerous auto shows around the globe with great reception by the media. It will cost around $110.000 and, Honda is already planning to put versions of it in lemans. check out this great promo video by Acura that makes our heart pump out  www.topspeed.com/cars/honda/2012-honda-nsx-concept-ar124312.html  

Sources:

http://www.topspeed.com 

TopGear Magazine Supercars special edition
www.caranddriver.com

Resourceblog-Comedians in Cars getting Cofee, Seinfeld´s latest project

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is famous for his TV series Seinfeld to all comedy lovers, but Seinfeld has another passion, cars, and he joined his two passions to create Comedians in Cars getting coffee, an short video series premièred every Thursday where he takes one of his comedian friends out for coffee in cars like a Mustang , Austin Healey and other car icons.
Check out the series at comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com

Resourceblog-Our Favourite Links

Here at the Car Blog we use several resources to update ourselves on the car world here are some websites and other intresting links

autoweek.com

conceptcarz.com

cars.about.com

cardesignnews.com

home.autos.msn.com

autoevolution.com

egarage.com

topgear.com/uk

More coming up!

Events-The New York Auto Show

Today the 15Th of April at 7 doors close at the New York International auto show, the automakers presented interesting cars from witch several were very well received by the public,there was quite a lot debuts, the Dodge Viper SRT was very talked about,other intresting cars were the 2013 Terrafugia flying car,the Bentley cars like the V8s GTC and GT and the new Shelby Mustang GT, see all debuts at http://www.autoshowny.com/galleries/debuts.

Bentley Continental GT V8

Terrafugia Flying Car (FLIGHT MODE)

Ford Shelby Mustang GT

Dodge Viper SRT

Here are the winners for the World Car of the Year

Green Car

Mercedes Benz 250 CDI

Performance Car
Porsche 911

Design Car

Range Rover Evoque

Car of the Year
Volkswagen Up