Thursday, August 12, 2010

Infiniti Performance Line



The much-rumored Infiniti Performance Line launched today with the Infiniti IPL G Coupe, a slightly more aggressive version of the standard G37S with a tweaked 348 hp V6 and "lets go racing" look. But will it please the Infiniti enthusiast?

Our dreams of a twin-turbocharged AMG-slaying Infiniti were for naught, as Infiniti seems interested in upping its fun quotiant by just a few degrees. It'll feel faster, thanks to a new dual exhaust replacing the old Y-pipe and a tweaked engine management system designed to let the horsepower top out at 7,400 rpm. As for being any faster, the moderate power boost (16 hp and 6 lb-ft) isn't going to send anyone to the 'Ring breaking records, but this doesn't seem to be the goal.

Anyone who complains about this not being an M3 is missing the point almost as much as someone saying it is. With a close-ratio 6-speed manual with a short-throw shifter and a "sport-tuned suspension" this may finally unshackle what is a competent but restrained luxury coupe. The G37S coupe is a fine car, but it's lacked an aggressive character you can find in its competitors.

Performance specs to come, but the real challenge will be if it feels right.


Original Jalopnik Article

Monday, August 9, 2010

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Leo at Lime Rock ALMS

Leo Parente of fastlanedaily visits BMW at the ALMS Lime Rock race.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Tom Cruise: The Race Car Driver?

Jalopnik looks at Tom's brief attempt at becoming a race car driver. His amazingly fast time at the Top Gear track seems to make a lot of sense now.

Tom Cruise's crazed two-wheels-off-the-ground record-setting lap around British motoring show Top Gear's track wasn't a surprise to those who've seen him race. One of Cruise's driving instructors gave us an exclusive look into his terrifying, short-lived, and accident-prone racing career.

There once was a handsome, well-loved actor who turned the driving lessons he picked up in preparation for a racing film into an impressive career in racing. That man was Paul Newman. In the late 80s Newman partnered with his old friend Datsun/Nissan guru Bob Sharp to campaign race-prepped Nissan 300ZXs in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) competitions.

One of their drivers in the SCCA GT-3 class was a young pre-Days of Thunder Tom Cruise, who was apparently interested in turning his acting fame into racing accolades a la Newman. Unfortunately, according to Roger French, an SCCA regional champion, any natural talent Cruise might possess was overwhelmed by his aggressive attitude.

French was at the old Bryar Motorsports Park, now the site of the New Hampshire International Speedway, when Bob Sharp approached him and asked if he'd seen Cruise race and to ask him what he thought.

"Doesn't look too good," French said.


FULL ARTICLE

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

The Smoking Tire: 458 Italia

Matt Farah drives the new Ferrari 458.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Top Gear: Season 15, Episode 6


The Last episode of the season unfortunately.
- Jeremy drives the 458 Italia
- Old British Sports Car Challenge
- Star: Jeff Goldblum

torrent here in 720p

or go to finalgear.com

Top Gear will be back sometime in the fall. Still awaiting more info on US Top Gear.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

2010 Hungarian Grand Prix


Analysis
WINNERS
Webber - beats Vettel, gets 4th win this season
Alonso - gets 2nd
Petrov - wants to keep his job, showed at this race
Hulkenburg - outpaces Barrichello
De La Rosa - first points
Kobayashi - comes for 23rd to 9th
Barrichello - fight at the end with Schumacher meant a lot

LOSERS
McLaren - Button doesnt do anything, Hamilton has engine problems
Vettel - Drops to 3rd and get drive thru penalty
Force India - Force India who?
Kubica - unlucky
Shumacher - gets 10 spot Spa penalty for dangerous maneuvers on Barrichello
Rosberg - promising but unfortunate as wheel flies off
Massa - had every oppurtunity to show up Alonso but did not

full results