W Motors Hyper-Sport

No Oriente Médio, os supercarros são comuns nas estradas e cidades. Mas o que ainda falta é uma marca de carros dos sonhos local. Faltava. A fabricante W Motors, de Beirute, Líbano, anunciou que produzirá dois modelos, o Hyper-Sport e o Super-Sport, a serem lançados em dezembro.

A W Motors diz que seus carros serão "os mais exclusivos, luxuosos e tecnologicamente avançados no mundo, e introduzirão tecnologias em seu interior e exterior nunca antes vistas". Entre as novidades, estão lâmpadas de LED encrustadas de diamantes, e um rumor de que será criado um sistema multimídia com tela holográfica.

A W Motors diz que o Hyper-Sport terá uma produção limitada de cinco unidades, e suas entregas serão programadas para o final de 2013. Seus veículos serão produzidos com a ajuda da austríaca Magna Steyr e da alemã RUF. Em janeiro do ano que vem, o Hyper-Sport poderá ser visto pelo público durante o Qatar Motor Show. Ainda não há informações sobre preço e especificações técnicas.

First Arab Brand of High Performance Luxury Sports Cars launched from Beirut
W Motors S.A.L eyes ambitious goals in the automotive industry

Beirut, July 11th 2012: Beirut witnessed today a major milestone for the automotive industry in the region and the world. W Motors s.a.l., which is set to be the premier designer and manufacturer of Hyper cars in the region, was launched on the 11th of July 2012 during a high end ceremony, organized by Events Production.

The official launch of W Motors which is a groundbreaking accomplishment for region based entrepreneur and specialist Ralph R Debbas, took place in the lavish venue of Sursock Palace Beirut. A select number of Politicians, Socialites and high ranking industry leaders, were there to attend the launch press conference and the unveiling of this promising automotive brand that eyes to cater to the desire and needs of an elite clientele around the world.

The young company has allied itself to major partners and suppliers in the automotive industry and design sector: "Magna Steyr Torino" represented by Mr. Tiziano Novo, General Manager of Magna Torino, "RUF Automobile Germany", and "STUDIOTORINO" represented by Mr. Alfredo Stola.

Ralph R Debbas, Chairman of W Motors s.a.l. stated: "We will be launching 2 different lines of vehicles, the Hyper-sport and the Super-sport. Our first model, the Hyper-sport, will be limited to 5 cars worldwide and will be labeled as the most exclusive high performance car ever made. With signature diamond incrusted LED lights, it is also the most luxurious sports car in the world. In addition, the Hyper-sport W will be the first and only car to ever integrate a fully functional holographic display with interactive motion, gaining years of innovation ahead of competition. This car is simply unique in every single way; every element has been meticulously engineered to give the right balance between power, torque and speed, delivering the ultimate driving machine for a unique driving experience".

With an entrepreneurial background, Debbas is the mastermind behind the W Motors project. Graduating from Coventry University School of Art and Design with a major in Automotive Design and having finalized numerous awarded concepts in Europe, Debbas worked on building a sizeable network within the automotive industry, leading him to the creation of W Motors, the world's most exclusive, luxurious and technologically advanced high performance sports cars, a pioneer project for the Arab World.

Ferrari F2004 - Laguna Seca Raceway - Luís Pérez Companc - Onboard

Hobby. Um Corcel II de alma nova.

Bradley Wiggins vence o Tour de France 2012

Bradley Wiggins conquista pela primeira vez o título do Tour de France, depois de vencer a décima-nona etapa, uma prova de contra-relógio. O ciclista da Team Sky completou os 53,5 km do trajeto com o tempo de 1h 04m 13s. Christopher Froome, seu companheiro de equipe e compatriota, chegou em segundo, 1m 16s depois, e o pódio foi completado por Luis Leon Sanchez, da equipe Rabobank, 1m 50s após.

Wiggins liderou a competição depois da etapa, 3m 21s na frente de Froome, situação que não se alterou, já que a última prova, entre Rambouillet e Champs-Élysées, pelas regras da competição, não conta para a classificação geral. Com o título de Bradley, a Inglaterra obtém seu primeiro tento na história do Tour de France.

"Não consigo explicar o que sinto neste momento. Nos últimos dez quilômetros, sabia que estava à frente, e ainda assim tinha energia. Recordo-me de todo o trabalho feito até chegar aqui, a decepção de 2010, quando fui vigésimo-quarto, a de 2011, quando quebrei a clavícula, e também do triunfo no Paris-Nice, e das perguntas que me fizeram sobre se não estaria logo em forma. Finalmente, conquistei o Tour", disse Wiggins.

Classificação geral após a 19ª etapa

1	Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky Procycling	84:26:31
2	Christopher Froome (GBr) Sky Procycling	0:03:21
3	Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale	0:06:19
4	Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Lotto Belisol Team	0:10:15
5	Tejay van Garderen (USA) BMC Racing Team	0:11:04
6	Haimar Zubeldia Agirre (Spa) RadioShack-Nissan	0:15:43
7	Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team	0:15:51
8	Pierre Rolland (Fra) Team Europcar	0:16:31
9	Janez Brajkovic (Slo) Astana Pro Team	0:16:38
10	Thibaut Pinot (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat	0:17:17
11	Andreas Klöden (Ger) RadioShack-Nissan	0:17:54
12	Nicolas Roche (Irl) AG2R La Mondiale	0:19:33
13	Christopher Horner (USA) RadioShack-Nissan	0:19:55
14	Chris Anker Sörensen (Den) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank	0:25:27
15	Denis Menchov (Rus) Katusha Team	0:27:22
16	Maxime Monfort (Bel) RadioShack-Nissan	0:28:30
17	Egoi Martinez De Esteban (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi	0:31:46
18	Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa (Por) Movistar Team	0:37:03
19	Eduard Vorganov (Rus) Katusha Team	0:38:16
20	Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Movistar Team	0:42:26
21	Jerome Coppel (Fra) Saur - Sojasun	0:45:43
22	Sandy Casar (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat	0:46:52
23	Michael Rogers (Aus) Sky Procycling	0:54:52
24	Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD	0:58:37
25	Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale	0:59:44
26	Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar	1:04:41
27	Peter Velits (Svk) Omega Pharma-QuickStep	1:05:10
28	Laurens Ten Dam (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team	1:05:39
29	Jelle Vanendert (Bel) Lotto Belisol Team	1:06:33
30	Juan Jose Cobo Acebo (Spa) Movistar Team	1:09:19
31	Alexandr Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana Pro Team	1:14:33
32	Levi Leipheimer (USA) Omega Pharma-QuickStep	1:16:29
33	Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team	1:16:52
34	Richie Porte (Aus) Sky Procycling	1:20:49
35	Daniel Martin (Irl) Garmin - Sharp	1:25:23
36	Rein Taaramae (Est) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne	1:27:36
37	Giampaolo Caruso (Ita) Katusha Team	1:28:32
38	George Hincapie (USA) BMC Racing Team	1:30:38
39	Gorka Izagirre Insausti (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi	1:31:44
40	Fredrik Kessiakoff (Swe) Astana Pro Team	1:34:33
41	Rafael Valls Ferri (Spa) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team	1:37:41
42	Andriy Grivko (Ukr) Astana Pro Team	1:38:41
43	Peter Sagan (Svk) Liquigas-Cannondale	1:38:46
44	Jean-Christophe Peraud (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale	1:40:44
45	Amaël Moinard (Fra) BMC Racing Team	1:41:00
46	Philippe Gilbert (Bel) BMC Racing Team	1:41:40
47	Dominik Nerz (Ger) Liquigas-Cannondale	1:42:12
48	Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat	1:42:39
49	Michael Schär (Swi) BMC Racing Team	1:43:55
50	Sergio Miguel Moreira Paulinho (Por) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank	1:47:14
51	Yury Trofimov (Rus) Katusha Team	1:47:31
52	Jens Voigt (Ger) RadioShack-Nissan	1:50:41
53	Vladimir Karpets (Rus) Movistar Team	1:51:43
54	Fabrice Jeandesboz (Fra) Saur - Sojasun	1:52:28
55	Maxime Bouet (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale	1:52:30
56	Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling	1:52:43
57	Johnny Hoogerland (Ned) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team	1:55:30
58	Davide Malacarne (Ita) Team Europcar	1:57:10
59	Marcus Burghardt (Ger) BMC Racing Team	1:57:39
60	Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Sharp	1:58:40
61	Cyril Gautier (Fra) Team Europcar	1:58:55
62	Mikael Cherel (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale	1:59:53
63	Dmitriy Fofonov (Kaz) Astana Pro Team	2:03:55
64	Luis Leon Sanchez Gil (Spa) Rabobank Cycling Team	2:05:08
65	Sébastien Minard (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale	2:06:09
66	Jérémy Roy (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat	2:09:42
67	Marco Marcato (Ita) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team	2:11:41
68	Dries Devenyns (Bel) Omega Pharma-QuickStep	2:12:22
69	Simone Stortoni (Ita) Lampre - ISD	2:13:39
70	Kevin De Weert (Bel) Omega Pharma-QuickStep	2:13:49
71	Sylvester Szmyd (Pol) Liquigas-Cannondale	2:15:59
72	Pieter Weening (Ned) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team	2:17:30
73	Christophe Riblon (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale	2:17:31
74	Jorge Azanza Soto (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi	2:18:58
75	Guillaume Levarlet (Fra) Saur - Sojasun	2:19:43
76	Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) RadioShack-Nissan	2:21:40
77	Vasili Kiryienka (Blr) Movistar Team	2:22:07
78	Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz) Astana Pro Team	2:23:14
79	Marco Marzano (Ita) Lampre - ISD	2:23:58
80	Simon Gerrans (Aus) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team	2:24:35
81	Adam Hansen (Aus) Lotto Belisol Team	2:24:54
82	Christophe Kern (Fra) Team Europcar	2:25:57
83	Christian Knees (Ger) Sky Procycling	2:26:14
84	Yukiya Arashiro (Jpn) Team Europcar	2:29:13
85	Matthieu Ladagnous (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat	2:33:14
86	Danilo Hondo (Ger) Lampre - ISD	2:37:55
87	Ruben Perez Moreno (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi	2:38:01
88	Brice Feillu (Fra) Saur - Sojasun	2:39:14
89	Blel Kadri (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale	2:40:39
90	Martin Velits (Svk) Omega Pharma-QuickStep	2:40:47
91	Romain Zingle (Bel) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne	2:41:09
92	Michael Morkov (Den) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank	2:45:39
93	Julien Simon (Fra) Saur - Sojasun	2:46:09
94	Stephen Cummings (GBr) BMC Racing Team	2:46:28
95	Arthur Vichot (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat	2:46:51
96	Lars Ytting Bak (Den) Lotto Belisol Team	2:47:30
97	Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team	2:49:43
98	Kristijan Koren (Slo) Liquigas-Cannondale	2:51:18
99	Nicki Sörensen (Den) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank	2:52:36
100	David Zabriskie (USA) Garmin - Sharp	2:52:38
101	Francis De Greef (Bel) Lotto Belisol Team	2:53:17
102	Ruben Plaza Molina (Spa) Movistar Team	2:53:35
103	Koen De Kort (Ned) Argos - Shimano	2:54:22
104	David Millar (GBr) Garmin - Sharp	2:54:55
105	Daniel Oss (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale	2:55:04
106	Jurgen Roelandts (Bel) Lotto Belisol Team
107	Samuel Dumoulin (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne	2:56:07
108	Manuel Quinziato (Ita) BMC Racing Team	2:56:27
109	Luca Paolini (Ita) Katusha Team	2:56:30
110	Michael Albasini (Swi) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team	2:57:00
111	Daryl Impey (RSA) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team	2:57:29
112	Matthieu Sprick (Fra) Argos - Shimano	2:57:40
113	Jérôme Pineau (Fra) Omega Pharma-QuickStep	2:57:58
114	Federico Canuti (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale	2:58:12
115	Kris Boeckmans (Bel) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team	3:03:06
116	Maxim Iglinskiy (Kaz) Astana Pro Team	3:03:43
117	Baden Cooke (Aus) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team	3:04:14
118	Alessandro Vanotti (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale	3:04:23
119	Joan Horrach Rippoll (Spa) Katusha Team	3:05:58
120	Matthew Harley Goss (Aus) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team	3:07:04
121	Nick Nuyens (Bel) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank	3:07:54
122	Sébastien Hinault (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale	3:09:06
123	André Greipel (Ger) Lotto Belisol Team	3:09:11
124	Bert Grabsch (Ger) Omega Pharma-QuickStep	3:13:06
125	Greg Henderson (NZl) Lotto Belisol Team	3:13:15
126	Anthony Roux (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat	3:15:23
127	Nicolas Edet (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne	3:16:41
128	Jean Marc Marino (Fra) Saur - Sojasun	3:17:05
129	Anders Lund (Den) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank	3:17:07
130	Borut Bozic (Slo) Astana Pro Team	3:17:53
131	Luis Angel Mate Mardones (Spa) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne	3:18:11
132	Marcel Sieberg (Ger) Lotto Belisol Team	3:19:38
133	Cédric Pineau (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat	3:20:24
134	Pablo Urtasun Perez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi	3:21:34
135	Roy Curvers (Ned) Argos - Shimano	3:23:44
136	Cyril Lemoine (Fra) Saur - Sojasun	3:23:55
137	Jonathan Cantwell (Aus) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank	3:25:13
138	Yann Huguet (Fra) Argos - Shimano	3:25:55
139	Yohann Gene (Fra) Team Europcar	3:27:07
140	Patrick Gretsch (Ger) Argos - Shimano	3:27:14
141	Juan José Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank	3:27:37
142	Karsten Kroon (Ned) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank	3:28:08
143	Mark Cavendish (GBr) Sky Procycling	3:28:45
144	Bram Tankink (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team	3:30:49
145	Bernhard Eisel (Aut) Sky Procycling	3:36:55
146	Aliaksandr Kuchynski (Blr) Katusha Team	3:37:49
147	Johan Vansummeren (Bel) Garmin - Sharp	3:40:01
148	Albert Timmer (Ned) Argos - Shimano	3:40:08
149	Julien Fouchard (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne	3:42:31
150	Sebastian Langeveld (Ned) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team	3:49:24
151	Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin - Sharp	3:54:54
152	Jan Ghyselinck (Bel) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne	3:57:04
153	Jimmy Engoulvent (Fra) Saur - Sojasun	3:57:45

Beltbag: o airbag de cinto de segurança da Mercedes-Benz

A Mercedes-Benz pode ter sido pioneira em muitos equipamentos para carros, e na criação do próprio automóvel, no entanto, ela não foi a primeira a criar o airbag de cinto de segurança. Os créditos vão para o Ford Explorer e o Lexus LFA. Mas de uma coisa a Mercedes-Benz pode se orgulhar: ela criou o primeiro airbag de cinto de segurança... que só dispara em impactos frontais.

Chamado Beltbag, ele pode estar na próxima versão do Classe S, na metade de 2013, para logo após equipar vários outros modelos da marca. Como no sistema da Ford, o Beltbag só está disponível para os passageiros dos bancos traseiros, e infla o cinto de modo que ele fique com o triplo do seu tamanho normal, para que a área de contato com o corpo do passageiro seja melhor distribuída, diminuindo assim a chance de ferimentos causados pelo item de segurança.

Uma diferença para o sistema pioneiro da Ford é que o Beltbag só é acionado em colisões frontais, enquanto que o sistema do Explorer dispara em impactos na frente e nas laterais do veículo.

Stuttgart. The Beltbag, one of the highlights from the ESF 2009 Experimental Safety Vehicle, is due to go into production in a luxury-class model from Mercedes-Benz. The inflatable seat-belt strap is able to reduce the risk of injury to passengers in the rear in a head-on collision by lessening the strain placed on the ribcage.

Should the crash sensors detect a severe frontal impact, the airbag control unit will trigger deployment and inflation of the Beltbag. A gas generator then inflates the multi-layered belt strap with Velcro seams to nearly three times its normal width. The resulting larger surface area is able to better distribute the force acting on the seat occupant, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
The Beltbag can be used in exactly the same way as a conventional seat belt. The belt strap's design is different from that of the standard belt though, and received top marks in practical trials for being extremely comfortable to wear and for its extra-soft belt strap edge.

"Mercedes-Benz is pursuing its safety initiative in the rear of vehicles with the Beltbag," comments Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Passive Safety and Vehicle Functions at Mercedes-Benz Cars. "After all, the excellent standard of safety offered by Mercedes-Benz doesn't just apply to all model series, but to all seats, too."

Just like the active seat-belt buckle recently presented by Mercedes-Benz that is likewise earmarked for inclusion in a luxury model, the Beltbag was developed with a particular view toward new markets. There, the occupancy rate in the rear is as much as 30 percent, making it much higher than in Europe. By introducing the Beltbag, Mercedes-Benz is further expanding the safety system for passengers in the rear – in contrast to many other manufacturers, seat belts in the second row of Mercedes-Benz models already come equipped with belt tensioners and belt force limiters. It is not planned to introduce the Beltbag for the front occupants, as airbags are already included in the front on all models as a supplementary restraint system.

Because dummy measurement technology is not capable of quantifying the benefits resulting from a wider belt strap, such as the lower force exerted on occupants, the safety experts at Mercedes have also been working intensely with virtual human models, as such computer-generated models make it possible to obtain detailed findings on the biomechanical strain during a collision.

Um cutaway de F1 de verdade

Nos últimos dois anos, os mecânicos da Sauber usaram seu próprio tempo livre para "cortar um F1 ao meio". Matt Norris mostra as entranhas de um carro de Fórmula 1, indicando onde cada um dos componentes está localizado dentro do chassis. Sergio Pérez ainda mostra como o piloto "se encaixa" no carro e mostra a posição resultante.

Chevrolet Kadett GS. Agora a concorrência vai perder a esportiva.

Barry Sheene and James Hunt: When Playboys Ruled the World

Enquanto isso, na selva...

Carro estacionado na calçada, em frente à entrada do Charrua Hotel, em Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul

Santander e sua paixão. Juntos, fazendo acontecer. (Com Felipe Massa)

Kim Jin-Pyo drives Volkswagen Golf GTi MK6

Aspid GT-21 Invictus

A Aspid mostrou o primeiro preview em animação 3D do seu GT-21 Invictus, esportivo que terá um propulsor BMW 4.4 V8, que produz 450 CV, aliado a uma transmissão de sete marchas com dupla embreagem ou manual de seis velocidades.

A fabricante disse que o Aspid GT-21 Invictus poderá acelerar da inércia aos 100 km/h em menos de três segundos e alcançar a velocidade máxima de 304 km/h, além de fazer curvas com 1.6 g de aceleração lateral.

O veículo, que pesará apenas 990 kg, terá painéis compostos, chassis reforçado e itens de segurança, como airbags, controle de estabilidade e ABS. A configuração do interior será 2+2. A Aspid pretende começar a construir o GT-21 Invictus em 2014, mas ainda não declarou o seu preço.

Aspid Cars releases images of GT-21 Invictus hi-tech sports car

Aspid Cars has released the first dramatic images of its new GT-21 Invictus, which features a distinctive semi open wheel appearance at the front of the car. The multi-million Euro project will create up to 200 hi-tech jobs and builds on advanced lightweight technologies developed for the Aspid Super Sport technology demonstrator unveiled at previous motor shows. Discussions are nearing completion with investors to determine the most suitable manufacturing location. Both cars are expected to enter production within two years.

"The GT-21 Invictus complements the Aspid Super Sport, but is bigger and more powerful," says the car's chief designer and company founder Ignacio Fernández Rodriquez. "It has been a challenging styling exercise, but fortunately we have a really talented design team in the company. They have done an excellent job evoking the values of the company in the car."

"Aspid Cars in the vanguard of technological and lightweight vehicle development and we needed to convey this in the design. We also needed an element of aggressiveness to reveal our motor sport credentials. The design brief also demanded that we portray the elegance and beauty required for a premium car."

"From a visual perspective and to set us apart, we needed to retain an element of the unique design form of an open wheel car as characterised by the Aspid Super Sport. This presented by far the biggest challenge in terms of packaging the interior volume for the driver and passengers, but we've successfully achieved this and have therefore maintained our unique visual identity, so the car is perceived as an Aspid the instant it's seen."

The Aspid GT-21 Invictus is bigger and less compromised for interior space compared with the Aspid Super Sport, significantly increasing the level of comfort for the driver and passengers. It is more powerful and more technologically advanced thereby maintaining the company's reputation for designing cars with a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio, significant CO2 reducing capability through lightweight efficiency, combined with sublime road handling. The GT-21 employs the same chassis design that weighs a mere 80 kg in the Super Sport, which still sets an industry benchmark. The GT-21 Invictus styling has been undertaken by IFR Automotive, which is also responsible of the design and engineering of the Aspid Super Sport which preceded it.

"The Aspid GT-21 Invictus represents a new generation of Gran Turismo fit for the 21st century" says Fernández. "With a weight that is less than 990kg when dry, the car features the latest generation BMW V8 engine capable of delivering 450 horsepower. It also incorporates a new generation of sports car hybridization, which increases the dynamic performance of the vehicle while being respectful of the environment. A lot of the technology we've developed will transfer to other road vehicles"

The Aspid GT-21 Invictus will offer the same astonishing acceleration as the Super Sport, reaching 100km/h (62mph) in less than three seconds, but with a higher maximum speed exceeding 300km/h (187mph) and a cornering ability in terms of g forces that similarly sets a new class benchmark. High speed stability and performance is enhanced through efficient aerodynamics. The dimensions are those of a GT: 4.447mm long, 1,883mm wide and a height of 1,226mm. The Invictus is aimed squarely at the premium sports car market and production will be limited to 250 a year to retain its exclusivity.

"Aspid Cars is inspired by the motorsport and aerospace industries," says Fernández. "Their advanced lightweight technologies have been applied to our new GT, which is first and foremost a high performance road car."

The manufacturing processes and suppliers for the Aspid GT-21, being from aerospace and motorsport industries, are used to producing components at high levels of precision in small batches or even as unique parts. The materials employed include aerospace grade aluminium, ultra-light high-strength steels, and composites. The unique design of the car, choice of materials and manufacturing process ensure that every Aspid can be tailored to each individual customer.

Says Fernández: "Each car will be custom made and hand built in its own production bay. There is no production line as such. Each client can choose more than 100 different options, and most customers will want to visit the factory during the build of their personalised car."

Each car will be handed over to the customer at the factory by the team of engineers and technicians who build it. Each customer will also receive a special book signed by the factory team illustrating the assembly sequence.

Customers will be able to purchase the car from an elite group of 20 dealers across Europe, some of which have yet to be selected, able to deliver the high standard of sales and aftersales service. As well as maintaining the vehicle the dealer network will also help organise Aspid branded events and entertainment.

The configuration of each car will be tailored to suit the precise requirements of each customer, giving them the option, for example, to adapt the geometry and the electronics to their individual needs and personal taste. The customer may at any time request the Aspid engineering department to change the car's geometry and electronic settings for different needs.

"This means that in addition to aesthetic customization of the vehicle, the client can also customize its ride and handling characteristics to their own requirements," says Fernández, who was previously a race engineer as well as being an automotive engineer and car designer. "We aim to offer a unique and unforgettable experience when a customer buys one of our sports cars. We believe our factory model and our relationship with each customer will be unique and set a new standard in the market. It will be more like the relationship experienced between a professional race driver and his race engineer and race team. We're very aware that every customer will be an ambassador for the brand, hence this close relationship which we aim to nurture."

"The GT-21 Invictus is a significant step forward for the Aspid brand," adds Fernández. "We're building on our experience of developing a high performance road and race car and technology demonstrator, which has helped us to establish IFR Automotive as an engineering consultancy. We have invested significantly in developing the technology and understanding the market for our new and exclusive road car. The GT is longer than the Super Sport by 700 mm and oriented towards a radical sports car segment of the market requiring larger dimensions, an 8-cylinder engine, and dual-clutch transmission actuated by F1-style shift paddles on the steering wheel, which is also significantly easier to get in and out of the car. It also has more space inside the cabin and luggage compartment."

Fernández says the Invictus represents the first GT "semi open wheeler" with a 2+2 passenger configuration and rear-wheel drive: "It has a strong visual element to help identify the Aspid open-wheel design language, where you can see all the beauty and technological excellence used in the wheel in conjunction with the suspension arms and their oval shape, dual brake callipers and their unique double discs, complemented by the front wings which also make a smart and aggressive statement of our intentions."

"The GT-21 brings together the most advanced technologies yet introduced to this market as presented previously in the Super Sport, which helped us test the water. It introduces a compendium of new technologies specifically developed for this new model, which enhances our understanding of cars generally and their continual evolution as machines of even greater efficiency than we've ever seen before."

"We aspire to build Aspid Cars as a brand representing design innovation and technological leadership, which through IFR Automotive can be applied to passenger, commercial and off highway vehicles," says Fernández. "We've already introduced into the market our technologies to small series cars, motorbikes, buses and coaches."

Other technology included in the Aspid GT-21 Invictus already applied in the Super Sport includes the integration into the steering wheel of the most important driver primary functions and displays. The elimination of switches and buttons and the introduction of a new electrical architecture and electronic system, integrating multimedia with the control systems of the car, facilitate previously unseen features.

Aspid has also revolutionized its cars brake system with a unique design that changes the old principle where heat is accumulated by the disks to swiftly dissipating it in order to achieve class leading braking performance with extraordinary resistance to fade. This performance is comparable to conventional and carbon-carbon brakes, but without the problem of having to warm them up.

The suspension arms in cold resistant aerospace extruded aluminium reduce the weight of the un-sprung mass, which together with the super-solid and high performance ALEXCOM chassis, which weighs less than 90kg, delivers a vehicle that can set new standards for innovation, lightweight technology and excellent vehicle dynamics.

"Aspid Cars represents a unique business model driven by a high level of passion," says Fernández. "The GT-21 is a lifestyle model closely connected to the exciting world of sports cars and the unmistakable sense of freedom and emotions felt when driving a machine with the highest levels of performance. The company is also driven by technology and design, with a boundless obsession for craftsmanship and a passion for building something truly unique."
For more details visit HYPERLINK "http://www.aspidcars.com" www.aspidcars.com; the company and the car's development can also be followed on twitter @Aspid_Cars or HYPERLINK "https://twitter.com/Aspid_Cars" https://twitter.com/Aspid_Cars.

Carro certo com nome errado

Um de meus sonhos de infância é um Dodge Charger R/T igualzinho a este da foto ao lado. Uma representação nua e crua do estilo estadunidense de fazer carros.

Entretanto, uma pulga atrás da minha orelha surgiu quando a Dodge criou um sedã superesportivo. Não pelo fato de a marca estar produzindo um sedã esportivo, muito pelo contrário, mas pelo nome com o qual o batizou.

De acordo com minhas conclusões a respeito desse lançamento, imagino que a equipe de marketing da marca pensou o seguinte:

"Vamos lançar um carro que seja um veículo para transportar toda a família de um cinquentão e suas bagagens num final de semana, e ao mesmo tempo, mande para fora a esportividade que ainda persiste em seus poros.

Além disso, vai satisfazer o desejo daqueles que, nos anos 1970, sonhavam em ter um Charger, e hoje, são abastados o suficiente para comprar um carro nosso e se destacar no trânsito com um modelo quase exclusivo."

É claro que a ideia de um sedã esportivo não é má, ainda mais em uma época "verde", que mais atrapalha do que ajuda realmente, mas, creio que, se esse carro não fosse chamado "Charger", não venderia.

Portanto, se você adquiriu um exemplar desse sedã, parabéns. No entanto, esse carro pode até ser um Dodge, e R/T, mas não tem nada de Charger.

Nem de Dart. Talvez lembre um Magnum, mas só da atual geração, pois ambos usam a mesma plataforma LX, e o último Magnum, de 2008, era uma station wagon.

Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. Exhilaration. Since 1953.

Kim Jin-Pyo drives Ferrari 458 Italia

Aston Martin AM310 Vanquish

A Aston Martin revelou oficialmente o AM310 Vanquish, carro que sucederá o One-77 e deverá ser lançado na Europa no fim de 2012. O propulsor V12 6.0 movido à gasolina que vem embaixo do capô desenvolve 581 CV a 6.750 RPM e 63,2 kgfm de torque a 5.500 RPM. A transmissão é uma Touchtronic 2, automática, de seis velocidades, com opção de trocas através de borboletas posicionadas atrás do volante, e um diferencial limitado no eixo traseiro.

O AM310 Vanquish acelera de 0 a 100 km/h em 4,1 segundos, podendo usufruir de um sistema de largada completamente novo, e alcança a velocidade máxima de 294 km/h. A suspensão é independente nos dois eixos e o sistema de amortecimento conta com mecanismo adaptativo, que o ajusta em três estágios. Os freios contam com discos ventilados de carbono e cerâmica e são auxiliados por tecnologias como os controles de estabilidade, de tração e de largada, além de ABS e EDB.

A estrutura do Vanquish recebeu uma atualização da plataforma VH, feita de alumínio, magnésio e fibra de carbono. Ela ganhou 25% de rigidez torcional, mesmo assim, ficou 13% mais leve na seção dianteira para compensar o peso do motor.

"Esta é a última encarnação de tudo que foi desenvolvido e visto no One-77. É a última palavra em Super Grand Tourer e a nova representação de poder, beleza e alma", disse o CEO da Aston Martin, Dr Ulrich Bez.

O visual também ganhou seus detalhes exclusivos, como a fileira de LEDs nas lanternas dianteiras e traseiras, originárias do conceito One-77, e a tampa do porta-malas, que traz um desenho batizado de Aero Duct, por ajudar na aerodinâmica do Vanquish. O carro tem muitas partes construídas em fibra de carbono. O design do interior é semelhante ao do One-77. Disponível nas configurações 2+2 ou 2 assentos somente, carro terá o preço de 189.995 libras esterlinas, e a previsão de disponibilidade é no final de 2012, a começar no Reino Unido e Europa.

Aston Martin unveils its new hero: the Vanquish

Aston Martin is today unveiling a stunning new luxury sports car – the Vanquish.

Sitting proudly at the pinnacle of the luxury British car maker's sports car line-up, this breath-taking new super grand tourer represents the zenith of current Aston Martin design and engineering. Vanquish points to an exciting and confident future for the historic brand.

Vanquish is a new Aston Martin featuring the next generation of the renowned VH architecture as well as a significantly upgraded 6.0-litre V12 engine that is considerably more potent than before.

The design represents the latest take on Aston Martin's iconic visual language. Vanquish unquestionably sees the brand continue its enviable tradition of producing some of the most beautiful sports cars in the world. Styling cues such as the elegant new waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades are derived from the One-77 supercar.

Unmistakably an Aston Martin, the design shows a clear and coherent lineage from its heritage while providing an equally clear pointer to the luxury car brand's vibrant future. Closer inspection reveals details such as the stunning new Aero Duct on the rear boot lid. This elegantly devised passive engineering feature, which counteracts lift at the car's rear when travelling at speed, is a triumph of both design and technical ability.

Performance, presence, style and great British craftsmanship – the new Vanquish has all these traits in abundance.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Today's Vanquish is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin design ethos, engineering innovation and technical ability. It offers luxurious, continent-crossing capability and pure driving excitement without compromise.

"Bearing the same name as the iconic original Vanquish that did so much to cement Aston Martin's reputation as a maker of great GT cars in the modern era, I believe the car unveiled today once again puts this great British brand at the top of its class.

"The new Vanquish mixes beautiful design with impressive technology such as the superb new infotainment system. This is the latest incarnation of everything we know, informed and developed from One-77. It is the ultimate Super Grand Tourer – confident and assured – and is the newest representation of Power, Beauty and Soul."

As happy on the streets of a bustling city as it is carving through the countryside or long distance motorway touring, the Vanquish offers a thoroughbred British luxury sports car that's also suited to everyday use.

Powered by a significantly revised naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine mated to the proven Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox, the new car offers suitably impressive performance figures. The V12's power peak of 565 bhp (573 PS) makes it Aston Martin's most potent production model yet, outmuscled only by the strictly limited edition £1.2m One-77 supercar.

The raw statistics speak for themselves: 573 PS at 6,750 rpm, 620 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph place the Vanquish firmly into supercar territory. Yet the brand's team of engineers have been working towards economy and emissions improvements, too.

The latest engineering methods, innovative technologies and typically understated classic British design come together to make the muscular new Vanquish a true super GT. For instance, each body panel on the car is constructed from carbon fibre because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility of form. Meanwhile torsional rigidity is improved by more than 25%.

Practical improvements such as a newly designed and significantly more spacious cabin and a boot that, at 368 litres, is more than 60% larger than that of the DBS, ensure the new Vanquish can carry sufficient luggage for even the most ambitious grand tourist.

Designed and hand-built at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon in Warwickshire the new Vanquish, available as a 2+2 or 2+0, sits atop a broad line-up of world-class sports cars including the exquisite DB9, sporty V8 Vantage and luxurious four-door Rapide.

Dr Bez said: "The Aston Martin range is stronger now than at any time in our 99-year history. The new Vanquish represents the perfect way to signal the beginning of our centenary celebrations next year."

Priced from £189,995 RRP first deliveries of the new sports car are expected to begin in the UK and Continental Europe late in 2012.

Chaves: a eterna magia do menino do barril

Basta um esbarrão para um membro do clã identificar o outro. Se o atrapalhado disser que "foi sem querer querendo", ali está um fã de Chaves. Exibido desde 1984 no Brasil, o seriado mexicano deixou de ser um simples humorístico infantil e virou fenômeno pop.

Nesta semana, os fãs gaúchos estão em festa. Domingo, Porto Algre recebe o espetáculo Senhor Barriga É Jovem Ainda. Três dos quatro lotes de ingressos já estão esgotados. Resta o quarto, a R$ 80. Unidos por fóruns e fã-clubes online, os próprios fãs fazem lobby junto às produtoras para trazer personagens ao Brasil.

– Esse show do Senhor Barriga, por exemplo, é engraçadíssimo. Mas quem vê a plateia chorando, emocionada, pensa que é um drama – relata Maurício Trilha, 20 anos, que leva o Chaves tatuado no braço e, em março, esteve no México para a homenagem aos 40 anos de carreira do criador do personagem, Roberto Gómez Bolaños.

Autor do bem-humorado livro Seu Madruga – Vila e Obra (Mirabolante Editora, 2010), Pablo Kaschner aponta motivos para a popularidade sem fim do seriado e até crescente, no caso do seu "biografado", cuja imagem virou cult e febre em estampas de camiseta, além do universo de fãs da série.

– Chaves tem humor em vários níveis. Desde o pastelão, com apelo às crianças, até os trocadilhos, para adultos. No caso do Seu Madruga, ele virou um bastião contra o politicamente correto. Onde se vê hoje alguém dizendo que "não há trabalho ruim, ruim é ter que trabalhar"? – questiona Kaschner, em defesa do "chimpanzé reumático".

Intérprete do Senhor Barriga, o ator Édgar Vivar acredita que, em Chaves, a América Latina aprende a rir dela mesma:

– Em todas as vizinhanças encontramos o sujeito endividado, a mãe estraga o filho e até aquela famosa solteirona em busca de um casamento. A linguagem da comédia é universal.

"Não vejo a hora de provar o chimarrão"

O ator Édgar Vivar, 63 anos, teve de aprender português de tantos fãs brasileiros que o procuravam. Ele já está ensaiando uns "tchês" para o show de domingo, às 20h, no Opinião, em Porto Alegre. Por e-mail, ZH fez uma barriga com o Senhor Entrevista. Ou melhor, uma entrevista com o Senhor Barriga. Confira trechos:

Zero Hora – Ao longo dos anos foram dezenas de boladas, marretadas e tijoladas cada vez que o senhor entrava na vila. Ficou alguma sequela daqueles golpes todos?

Édgar Vivar – Sim, durante as gravações do filme El Chanfle 2 (comédia inédita no Brasil com todo o elenco do Chaves, mas interpretando outros personagens. Roberto Gómez Bolaños, o Chaves, vive o roupeiro do América do México) tivemos que repetir uma sequência de queda diversas vezes e acabei quebrando o meu cotovelo. Até hoje tenho o cotovelo um pouco torto. Ironicamente, a primeira tomada de todas acabou sendo a escolhida para o filme.

ZH – O seriado Chaves faz sucesso há pelo menos três gerações no Brasil. Qual a explicação para o fenômeno se renovar dessa forma?

Vivar – Creio que, de alguma forma, os personagens de Chaves representam uma realidade comum, senão em todos, na grande maioria dos países onde o programa é exibido, e isso soa familiar aos telespectadores. O público é quem tem a última palavra sempre, e considero que poderia ser feita a mesma pergunta a eles. Tenho certeza de que as pessoas responderiam que é por causa do seu otimismo e que, apesar do tempo, a mensagem e os valores universais persistem.

ZH – O senhor percebe alguma diferença do fã brasileiro em relação aos de outros países da América Latina?

Vivar – Não passo um dia sem receber centenas de mensagens do Brasil via Twitter, Facebook etc. E por causa deles, resolvi aprender português, para que pudéssemos nos comunicar ainda mais. Conheço toda a América Latina, e o carinho do público brasileiro é uma coisa única. Acredito que todos os personagens são muito queridos pelos fãs, mas sei que os brasileiros são loucos pelo meu amigo Ramón (Valdés, morto em 1988), que vocês conhecem como Seu Madruga.

ZH – Com quais atores do seriado o senhor criou mais afinidade? É verdade que o ator que interpretava o Seu Madruga era um grande amigo seu?

Vivar – Tenho uma boa relação com todos os meus companheiros e ainda mantenho contato com eles, seja por e-mail, telefone ou pessoalmente. Em março, estive com Roberto, Florinda (Meza, a Dona Florinda) e Ruben (Aguirre, o Professor Girafales) no América Celebra Chespirito (especial do canal Televisa em homenagem aos 40 anos de carreira de Roberto Gómez Bolaños). Dias antes, encontrei Carlos (Villagrán, o Quico) em um restaurante. É sempre bom revê-los. Ramón foi um dos melhores amigos que já tive e é uma das melhores pessoas que conheci em minha vida. Um tipo muito simpático e engraçadíssimo, acho até que era mais engraçado pessoalmente. Ele era meu vizinho "de muro", então nos encontrávamos sempre. Ele estava sempre na minha casa.

ZH – Qual é o seu episódio preferido? Por quê?

Vivar – Eu gosto muito dos episódios que gravamos em Acapulco e o especial de Natal que se passa na casa do Senhor Barriga. Em ambas as ocasiões, todos os personagens se reúnem em um mesmo local e, mesmo com as confusões e trapalhadas de sempre, fica evidente a relação de amizade que existia entre eles.

ZH – O senhor gostaria de dar um recado aos fãs de Porto Alegre? Sabe alguma coisa sobre a nossa cidade?

Vivar – Estou muito feliz de poder conhecer o Rio Grande do Sul nesta minha visita ao Brasil. Meus amigos me disseram que Porto Alegre é uma cidade linda com um povo muito simpático. Não vejo a hora de provar o chimarrão! Disseram-me que é mais forte do que o da Argentina. Espero ver todos os meus fãs gaúchos no dia 22 de julho, no Opinião. O show vai ser trilegal, tchê!

ZH – Corrigido pela inflação, quanto o Seu Madruga já lhe deve pelos 14 meses de aluguel?

Vivar – Sinceramente? Eu não faço a menor ideia (risos)! O valor da dívida deve ser alto, mas ainda assim infinitamente menor do que a saudade que sinto do meu amigo Ramón.

Zero Hora

Fiat Uno Sporting. O mais invocado dos Unos.

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2013 Vauxhall Astra GTC BiTurbo

A nova versão do Vauxhall Astra veio não só com atualizações estéticas, a maior mudança está embaixo do capô: trata-se um propulsor diesel 2.0 de quatro cilindros com dois turbos, que desenvolve 195 CV e impressionantes 40,79 kgfm de torque. Este é o mesmo motor usado no Vauxhall Insignia.

O desempenho aumentou consideravelmente no hatchback, acelerando da inércia aos 100 km/h em 7,8 segundos e atingindo a velocidade máxima de 223 km/h, podendo atingir uma autonomia de até 53.3 MPG (milhas por galão), graças ao sistema start/stop embarcado.

No exterior, novos farois, grade e bumper dianteiro, além de uma câmera frontal, para ajudar nas manobras. Mais alterações no veículo você pode conferir no press release abaixo.

NEW-LOOK ASTRA AND HOT GTC DIESEL JOIN VAUXHALL'S RANKS
2012-06-15

- Brit-built Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer get new, bold look
- New GTC BiTurbo diesel becomes most powerful non-VXR Astra model
- All Astras now available with range of new options, including Front Camera System
- Underpins Astra success as best-selling British-built car in UK

Luton – These are the first official pictures of the new-look Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer, along with the latest addition to the GTC range, the 195PS BiTurbo diesel model.

Available to order now, with first deliveries in September, the refreshed design of the Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer – both of which are built at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire – gives the cars a more bold and aggressive appearance. Both body styles get a new front grille, with repositioned logo-bar in the upper section and a re-styled lower section too. New front indicator lamps and a new design of fog lamp (where fitted) complete the front-end revisions.

The rear of both models has also been refreshed, with new rear-panel styling complemented by a chrome lower moulding.

New-look Astra pricing remains unchanged from the previous model.

Also available to order from today is the Astra GTC 2.0 CDTiBiTurbo, which will become the most powerful non-VXR model in the range, producing 195PS and 400Nm of torque. And while the extra power and torque give it a healthy lift in performance with 0-60mph arriving in just 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 139mph, the BiTurbo still achieves a combined 53.3mpg and C02 emissions of 139g/km. All BiTurbos receive Vauxhall's Start/Stop system as standard.

Uniquely in this class, the GTC uses a sequential turbocharging system, with the smaller turbo accelerating quickly at lower speeds to eliminate 'lag', providing 350Nm of torque from just 1500rpm. In the mid-range, both turbochargers work together providing maximum torque of 400Nm between 1750-2500rpm.

The Astra GTC BiTurbo enters the range at £23,925 – a premium of £995 over the GTC 2.0 CDTi 165PS model – but in addition to extra power and torque, receives: bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Climate Control, 6mm lower ride-height, a new body-kit and 'Track' interior trim, with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

Enhancing the appeal of all Astra models still further is the introduction of a raft of options previously unseen in the range. Customers can now order the Driver Assistance Pack, which for £750 includes features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Following Distance Indicator.

Other new options for the Hatch and Sports Tourer only include a Rear View Camera Pack, Winter Pack (heated steering wheel and seats for £345) and LED daytime running lights (£145). Three new colours – Sculpture Bronze, Phantom Grey and Deep Sky – have also been introduced, while the Astra's standard DAB radio has been upgraded to a DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) system across the range.

As with all Vauxhall passenger cars, Lifetime Warranty is standard, giving first owners the peace of mind of a warranty that literally lasts the car's lifetime, up to a maximum 100,000 miles.

Uma imagem

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Como é ser um piloto de Fórmula 1?

É o que os abastados e felizes proprietários de carros de Fórmula 1 da Ferrari tentam descobrir, através do programa Ferrari F1 Clienti, no qual você compra um dos carros disponíveis pela marca ou de algum colecionador, e entrega à fabricante de Maranello, que realiza todas as manutenções e operações necessárias para deixar o carro em funcionamento.

Depois, marca uma data e um circuito, onde todos compartilham a pista e aceleram seus "brinquedos", o assim denominado Ferrari Racing Days, onde, além dos bólidos de Fórmula 1, quem possui carros de corrida derivados dos de rua ou sport-protótipos também desfruta do mesmo espaço.

Jon Holtzman, dono do Ferrari 640 de número 28, que foi pilotado por Gerhard Berger em 1989, mostra-nos, através de uma câmera fixada no seu capacete, a emoção de guiar um carro de mais de 20 anos.

Apesar do piloto não impor muito ritmo ao "velhaco", ele ainda apresenta problemas de transmissão, que ele relata ao voltar aos boxes, onde diz que o carro não engrena ao passar para a quinta marcha. No entanto, conseguiu curtir várias voltas no Laguna Seca Raceway, o que já faz o vídeo valer a pena.

Para quem não sabe, o 1989 Ferrari 640 foi o primeiro da história a possuir câmbio automatizado, o qual, vinte anos depois, começou a equipar os carros populares ao redor do mundo.

Volkswagen. Seine bessere hälfte.

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Mude a realidade. Entre no Volkswagen Santana 1987.

Ken Block's Gymkhana Five

DC AND KEN BLOCK PRESENT GYMKHANA FIVE: ULTIMATE URBAN PLAYGROUND; SAN FRANCISCO

Featuring Ken Block, his H.F.H.V., and the streets of San Francisco

July 9th, 2012 - Huntington Beach, California – Today DC and Ken Block released Gymkhana FIVE, the 5th installment of the award winning, record-breaking viral video franchise, via the DC Shoes YouTube channel. Filmed on the actual streets of San Francisco, California, Gymkhana FIVE builds on the ultimate playground concept of Gymkhana THREE, with a focus on fast-paced, raw action and Block's driving skills, all while utilizing the topography of a real-life urban playground.

Chosen for its unique physical terrain and its ability to be easily recognized on a global level, San Francisco served as the perfect location for Gymkhana FIVE. The city by the bay known for its iconic bridges, steep windy streets, and distinct neighborhoods-as well as a famous chase scene in the movie Bullit-provided an ideal gymkhana playground that increased the difficulty level of not just the tricks, but driving lines as well. And, for the first time ever, all of Block's driving was done on real streets.

"San Francisco was absolutely amazing for Gymkhana," said Block. "It's such a unique location for this kind of driving and allowed me to do some things that I never thought I'd ever be able to incorporate into one of my Gymkhana videos-like jumping a table top or doing a jump drift! I'm stoked with how this project turned out and I'm truly a lucky bastard to have been able to do the things I was able to do on the streets of San Francisco. To all of the residents andpeople who allowed us to make this happen, thank you!"

Never short of surprises, Gymkhana FIVE presents a whole slew of new tricks and locations. The city with over 7.5 million residents appears like its own racecourse, as Block rips through with not a person in sight. Locations like the Financial District and The Bay Bridge were able to be shut down specifically for Block to put rubber to pavement. Block also tackled extreme angles and terrain through such iconic locations as Russian Hill, Potrero Hill, Twin Peaks and the San Francisco Bay itself, thanks to a barge. From donuts to drifting, Gymkhana FIVE: Ultimate Urban Playground; San Francisco undoubtedly features some of the most difficult and intense driving that has ever been recorded.

As with any video in the Gymkhana franchise, the cameos add an additional element of surprise and excitement. Motocross legend, Travis Pastrana makes an unforgettable appearance in the video with Block. This trick was the first time Travis had been on a motorcycle since his injury at X Games nearly a year before. The San Francisco trolley, the barge and the Port of S.F. each serve as significant characters of their own in GYM5 as well.

"It's hard to imagine we'd top the last one, but Gymkhana FIVE is the best in the series by far! Fans loved the raw nature of Gym3 and were awed by the unprecedented location access in Gym4," said DC VP of Marketing, Jeff Taylor. "Gymkhana FIVE is more than just the best of both though. Ken's driving is on a whole new level and the streets of San Francisco provided the perfect natural terrain to showcase it. There's never been anything like this and people are going to be blown away when they see it!"

While the locations may be new, Block's trusty Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle(H.F.H.V.)
Is back for this video. The car featured in Gymkhana FIVE is the same car that was used in GYM4. Whether its tearing up Universal Studios orjumping intersections in the hills of San Francisco, the H.F.H.V was designed by Block and the Monster World Rally Team to compete in three distinct disciplines: gymkhana, RallyCross and stage rally. The car features a 2.0 Lturbocharged motor that generates 600hp, 665 lb-ft of torque and can go from zero to 60 mph in only 1.8 seconds. Block's dedication to the specific design of his H.F.H.V. has paid off with success as he used it to win the 100 AcreWood Rally in Missouri earlier this year, as well as recently driving it to a silver medal at Summer X Games just a week ago. Also returning for this video are director Ben Conrad and his amazing production team at LOGAN. Conrad and his team utilized their Hollywood experience to transform San Francisco into the ultimate playground movie set.

Also featured in this video is Block's DC Teamworks Collection. GYM5 debuts the DC Ken Block Pro Spec 3.0 Shoe, the DC Ken Block Gatsby 2 shoe and the Block Spartan Teamworks High Shoe. GYM5 also features Block's signature collection for DC including the KB Cracked Tee, KB Cracked Up Zip Hoodie, and the KB Cracked Hat. Originally created in 2005, the Teamworks Collection and design inspiration stems from Block's racecar liveries. For more information and to check out the entire Ken Block Teamworks Collection, please visit: http://store.dcshoes.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4374337.

Piloto comemora vitória uma volta antes do fim!

Durante uma corrida do Campionato Italiano Velocità, Riccardo Russo vinha na ponta, e não percebeu que ainda faltava uma volta para acabar a prova, e entrou em volta de desaceleração, para comemorar uma vitória que ainda não havia chegado.

Os outros pilotos, que nada têm a ver com a patetice de Russo, abriram a última volta, que foi bastante disputada, com troca de posições entre os novos primeiro de segundo colocado. E Ricardo? Bem, terminou em 14º.

F1 Race Stars: ideias para power-ups

A Codemasters anunciou que, além do F1 2012, lançará um jogo de Fórmula 1 voltado ao público infantil, o F1 Race Stars, um legítimo arcade, onde os carros e os circuitos da Fórmula 1 terão versões virtuais nunca antes vistas.

A ser lançado no final do ano, já tem a presença confirmada de Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, Romain Grosjean e Bruno Senna, e a Codemasters tentará colocar o restante dos pilotos da temporada atual no game. O jogo estará disponível para PC, Xbox 360 e Playstation 3.

Já que o jogo será bem ao estilo "Woody Woodpecker Racing", "Super Mario Kart", "Crash Team Racing" e afins, onde as físicas e simulações da realidade são deixadas de lado, e as competições se passam em paisagens psicodélicas e cartunistas, onde quem tiver o power-up certo na hora certa tem maiores chances de vencer a corrida, fiz um exercício de reflexão: quais power-ups teriam as versões tooned dos pilotos da Fórmula 1?

Ao jogar com Fernando Alonso, você pressionaria um botão que faria ele falar "this is ridiculous".

Ao jogar com Sebastian Vettel, você pressionaria um botão que faria ele levantar seu dedo indicador.

Ao jogar com Lewis Hamilton, você pressionaria um botão que faria ele pegar um atalho.

Ao jogar com Kimi Raikkonen, você pressionaria um botão que faria ele derramar uma garrafa de vodka no tanque para aumentar a potência, outro botão que faria ele comer um picolé, e outro que faria ele falar "cool".

Ao jogar com Mark Webber, você pressionaria um botão que faria o carro dele pular feito um canguru.

Ao jogar com Michael Schumacher, você pressionaria um botão que faria ele usar uma bengala para andar mais rápido.

Ao jogar com Narain Karthikeyan, você teria vários botões disponíveis que fariam ele e seu carro realizarem estripulias dignas dos filmes de Bollywood.

The entirely new Acura RDX. Intelligently built for the size of your life.

Legends Of Motorsport: BMW Motorsport in the 1980's

Mau contato

Durante uma corrida da Formula Renault 2.0, em Oschersleben, o piloto holandês Jeroen Slaghekke estava com problemas elétricos no volante, não conseguia reduzir nem subir marchas. Obviamente, ele estava sem tempo para parar o carro e verificar o problema, então, ele teve uma ideia um tanto perigosa de se aplicar em altas velocidades.

Ele esperou contornar a curva e chegar a uma longa reta, daí, retirou o volante da coluna de direção, recolocou-o de volta e... pronto! Problema resolvido! Alguns problemas nos carros já possuem formas de resolução como na informática: desliga tudo e liga denovo!

E a corrida de Jeroen? Ele terminou em sexto.

Ford Escort XR3 1983. A super máquina total.

2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed - Lotus T127 - Heikki Kovalainen - Onboard

Sauber Mercedes C11 - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - Bob Berridge - Onboard

Mat Watson drives 2012 Porsche Boxster S

Not all bad boys are created equal. FIAT 500 Abarth. (With Charlie Sheen)

Tanner Foust drives Noble M600