Automobiles Review

Tag: FIA

  • EKS Audi S1 – FIA World Rallycross Championship

    EKS has unveiled their Audi S1 Race Car, which will take place in the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship. It comes with extreme tuning including entire chassis and engine rework. There is also a complete body package and huge rear wing.

    EKS Audi S1 Race Car will be drive by Mattias Ekstrom and Pontus Tidemand. Both drivers will have on their disposal over 600HP (447 kW) from a turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. It will be connected to a dual-clutch sports transmission and all-wheel drive system. 0-100 km/h in 1.9 seconds and a top speed of over 250 km/h (155 mph).

    The exterior of EKS S1 features widened front and rear aches in order to accommodate the huge racing wheels fitted with ultra-performance slick tires. There is also a new carbon fiber front splitter, modified front and rear hoods and a new rear diffuser. The two-part rear wing provides additional down force for the rear axle at high speeds.

    “This year our plans are to complete as much research and development of the car that we can for the future. Our goal is of course to build the best car.”, commented Mattias Ekstrom.

    Still, there is no other official information, but full details will be released in the beginning of the next month.

    Stay tuned!

    EKS Audi S1
    EKS Audi S1

    Source:EKS

  • Renault Spices Up F1 With The Introduction Of Energy F1-2014 Power Unit

    Renault-Energy-F1-2014-Power-Unit-THUMB2014 FIA Formula One World Championship is introducing a radical technical regulation changes. The cars that will compete will be powered by new powertrain technology, with a powerful turbocharged internal combustion engine coupled with energy recovery systems.

    Furthermore, the power output will be increased up to unseen levels in over five years. Two types of energy will propel the cars – internal combustion and electrical energy. The first unit will produce power through consumption of traditional carbon-based fuel, while the second will be harvested from exhaust and braking by two motor generator units. Of course, both will work in harmony. Such engines are to be called now “Power Units”.

    Since these announcements have been made, Renault came up with the statement that it is entirely prepared for this technical revolution by introducing the Energy F1-2014 Power Unit.

    The new Power Unit key elements include the following:

    • 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 internal combustion engine
    • Direct injection
    • Maximum engine speed of 15,000rpm
    • Potent Energy Recovery Systems incorporating two motor generator units – the MGU-H, recovering energy from the exhaust and the MGU-K recovering energy from braking
    • Electrical energy recovered stored in a battery
    • Combined maximum power output of 760 hp (559 kW), on a par with previous V8 generation
    • Double restriction on fuel consumption: fuel quantity for the race limited to 100 kg (-35% from 2013) with fuel flow rate limited to 100 kg/hr max (unlimited under V8 regulations)
    • Engine development is frozen during the season, only changes for fair and equitable reasons are permitted
    • 5 Power Units permitted per driver per year

    To go further into details, the internal combustion V6 engine includes cylinders arranged in two banks of 3 cylinders arranged in a ‘V’ configuration over a common crankshaft. It has a displacement of 1.6 litres and will make around 600 hp (441 kW) alone.

    Furthermore, all Power Units must include direct fuel injection (DI). This is a key sub-system at the heart of the fuel efficiency and power delivery of the power unit. Here fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber and not into the inlet port upstream of the inlet valves. The fuel-air mixture is formed within the cylinder.

    Next, the turbocharger utilizes exhaust gas energy to enhance the density of the engine intake, thus producing more power. In addition, it allows smaller engine to make much more power than its size would normally permit, while the exhaust energy is converted to mechanical shaft power by an exhaust turbine. The mechanical power from the turbine is then used by the compressor and the MGU-H.

    You might ask what is MGU-H. The answer is simple: on the Renault Energy F1, the turbo rotation speed is primarily controlled by the MGU-H, however a wastegate is needed to keep full control in any circumstance. In comparison, on conventional turbo engines, a wastegate is used in combination with a turbocharger to control the high rotation speeds of the system. In fact, the wastegate is a control device that allows excess exhaust gas to by-pass the turbine and matches the power produced by the turbine to that needed by the compressor.

    MGU-H is connected to the turbocharger and acts like a generator by absorbing power from the turbine shaft to convert heat energy from the exhaust gases. The electrical energy can be later directed to the MGU-K or stored in the battery.

    On the other hand, the MGU-K operates as a generator that recovers some of the kinetic energy during braking. In addition, it also converts it into electricity. When the car accelerates, the MGU-K is powered by the Energy Store and the MGU-H. In these cases it acts as a motor and propels the car.

    At last, the Battery or Energy Store consumes recovered Heat and Kinetic Energy. The stored energy can be utilized by the vehicle with the MGU-K or can be also utilized to accelerate the turbocharger with the MGU-H. The result is two times more power and the energy contributing to performance is ten times greater.

    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit
    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit
    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit
    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit
    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit
    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit
    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit
    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit
    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit
    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit
    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit

    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit Technical Specifications

    ENERGY F1-2014
    Engine
    Displacement 1.6L V6
    Number of cylinders 6
    Rev limit 15,000rpm
    Pressure charging Single turbocharger, unlimited boost pressure (typical maximum 3.5 bar abs due to fuel flow limit)
    Fuel flow limit 100 kg/hr (-40% from V8)
    Permitted Fuel quantity per race 100 kg (-35% from V8)
    Configuration 90° V6
    Bore 80mm
    Stroke 53mm
    Crank height 90mm
    Number of valves 4 per cylinder, 24
    Exhausts Single exhaust outlet, from turbine on car centre line
    Fuel Direct fuel injection
    Energy Recovery Systems
    MGU-K rpm Max 50,000 rpm
    MGU-K power Max 120kW
    Energy recovered by MGU-K Max 2MJ/lap
    Energy released by MGU-K Max 4 MJ/lap
    MGU-H rpm >100,000rpm
    Energy recovered by MGU-H Unlimited (> 2MJ/lap)
    General
    Weight Min 145 kg
    Number of Power Units permitted per driver per year 5
    Total horsepower 600hp (ICE) + 160hp (ERS)

    Source: Renault

  • McLaren MP4-12C GT3 in 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship

    The new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 is ready for race debut in 2012, following an intensive development programme in 2011. The competitive race season begins for new McLaren GT customer teams in Germany on 31 March, with the opening rounds of the VLN and ADAC GT Masters championships at the Nürburgring Nordschliefe and Oschersleben respectively.

    The MP4-12C sports car, on which the GT3 racer is based, will also make its debut as a safety car in the FIA GT1 World Championship race at the Nogaro circuit in France on 8-9 April.

    The McLaren race cars will wear the unique liveries of ART, ASM, Boutsen Energy, Gulf Racing, Molitor Racing, United Autosports and Von Ryan Racing. The JAS team will also take part in selected rounds of the championship. Footage of the new 12C GT3s at the test event in southern France can be seen at “mclarenautomotivetv channel” vai Youtube.

    Gemballa Racing and Doerr Motorsport will compete in the 12C GT3 in the German VLN series, which includes the famous 24 Hour Nürburgring endurance race in May.

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track

    Molitor Racing and Gemballa Racing will run in ADAC GT Masters, and French FIA GT1 Champions Hexis Racing will line up on the grid of the FIA GT1 World Championship. Series Champions Apex Motorsport will enter a new 12C GT3 in selected rounds of this year’s British GT championship, while the Lapidus Racing team will contest the International GT Open series, and also compete in forthcoming 24-hour races at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Circuit de Catalunya in Spain.

    Teams racing the 12C GT3 in 2012 have enlisted the services of highly successful racing drivers for the 2012 season. Former Formula 1 drivers Mark Blundell and David Brabham (also a Le Mans 24hr winning driver) will race for United Autosports and 2011 Formula 2 competitor Jack Clarke will drive for Boutsen Energy. Rob Bell, Alvaro Parente and Alexander Sims, who recently joined the McLaren GT driver line-up for 2012, will be placed with customer teams, while McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin will also contest selected races in a 12C GT3 throughout the season.

    “I’m excited that we are so close to seeing the 12C GT3 in its first full race season.  The feedback I have received from customers that have already taken delivery of the car is very positive.”, commented Andrew Kirkaldy, Project Manager for McLaren GT.

    “The 2011 development programme was challenging, but had many highlights.  We started with a pole position in qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps in the British GT Championship, and ended the race season with a third place finish in Macau. In one year, McLaren GT has taken the 12C GT3 from concept to race readiness.  We will learn more about the car in the early part of the season – and expectations will naturally be high of a car full of Formula 1 technology –  but our objective is to makes the 12C GT3 as much a pleasure to own and run as it is race.” , he added.

    The 12C GT3 shares the same V8 twin turbo engine and carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis as its road car sibling, and its aerodynamic package was developed by McLaren GT in partnership with specialist engineers and designers at McLaren Automotive.

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track

    Source: McLaren

  • 2011 MINI WRC

    MINI WRC Team will compete in six rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship. The team will use the MINI John Cooper Works WRC race car, which will be tested at the Rally d’Italia Sardegna from 5th to 8th May 2011 for the first time. The aim of the team is to gain a lot of experience to be perfectly prepared to take on the entire 2012 WRC.

    “On the one hand, MINI can look back on a unique success story,” commented Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of the BMW AG for Sales and Marketing.

    “On the other hand, MINI is the epitome of excitement for millions of fans around the world and thrills them with its energy. This is precisely what we are able to authentically represent through our motorsport involvement in the World Rally Championship. Thrilling rally events, ultimate performances by man and machine, and as much success as possible, of course: motorsport is pure emotion – just as MINI is for its fans.”, Mr. Robertson added.

    2011 MINI John Cooper Works WRC has a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is used in the road cars, but the power unit was specially prepared by BMW Motorsport to meet FIA Super 2000 regulations, including the World Touring Car Championship.

    We wish luck to Meeke and Sordo during the 2011 WRC season!
    2011 MINI WRC

    2011 MINI WRC
    2011 MINI WRC
    2011 MINI WRC
    2011 MINI WRC
    2011 MINI WRC
    2011 MINI WRC
    2011 MINI WRC
    2011 MINI WRC

    Source: MINI

  • Porsche revealed the 911 GT3 R

    Following the debut of the recently announced Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the German sportscar manufacturer has revealed a new racing car – Porsche 911 GT3 R. The new sports ride will be raced in series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations. (more…)

  • Abarth 500 R3T

    At the 51st Sanremo Rally, Abarth will showcase its new racing addition called the Abarth 500 R3T. The Abarth 500 rally version will be type approved for Group R3T, the category for turbocharged cars up to 1600 cm3 in capacity. (more…)

  • Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar

    The base of this race car is the Lotus Evora Type 124, which was introduced earlier this year. There are number of changes, which has been made the car specially for endurance races.

    The Lotus Racercar will compete in several races during 2010/2011 season. One of them is the famous ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours at Nordschleife race track in Germany.

    Specifications:

    • Body: Lightweight composite and carbon fibre panels
    • Engine: V6 mid-mounted with 400ps
    • Gearbox: Six-speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox
    • Brakes: AP Racing 6 piston callipers Front and Rear
    • Weight: 1200kg
    • Wheels: 18 inch rims with Pirelli racing slicks , 9 ½ J on the Front and 11 J on the Rear
    Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar
    Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar
    Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar
    Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar
    Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar
    Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar
    Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar
    Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar
    Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance RacecarThe base of this race car is the Lotus Evora Type 124, which was introduced earlier this year. There are number of changes, which has been made the car specially for endurance races.

    The Lotus Racercar will compete in several races during 2010/2011 season. One of them is the famous ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours at Nordschleife race track in Germany.

    Specifications:

    Body: Lightweight composite and carbon fibre panels
    Engine: V6 mid-mounted with 400ps
    Gearbox: S    ix–speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox
    Brakes:     AP Racing 6 piston callipers Front and Rear
    Weight: 1200kg
    Wheels: 18 inch rims with Pirelli racing slicks ,     9 ½ J on the Front and 11 J on the Rear

  • Santa Pod Raceway. Records Tumble At The Main Event

    The FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway is always a crowd pleaser, but last weekend at this years event, the history book got ripped up and thrown away, with several European records being shattered in blistering sunshine.

    Thanks to a blissful break in the venue’s luck with the weather, the headline event seemed to have a ‘feel good’ factor from the get-go, with capacity crowds filing in from the first minute of the three-day meeting, and racers seemingly unable to put a foot – or a wheel – wrong. (more…)

  • British Steam Car Set To Shine In States

    The British team behind ‘Inspiration’ – the vehicle that will next month make an assault on the world land speed record for a steam-powered car – recently called on the skills of car care experts Autoglym as part of final preparations before the car is shipped to the USA for its record attempt. The Autoglym team was tasked with reducing surface drag and enhancing the appearance of the already stunning-looking car with a coat of its super-durable High Definition Wax. (more…)

  • First Impreza WRC stars on new car sales website

    The very first Subaru Impreza World Rally Car (WRC), which debuted at Rally Monte Carlo in 1997, is for sale for £85,000 on a new website dedicated to pre-owned Prodrive-built rally cars.

    The 1997 Impreza WRC, chassis number PRO-WRC-97-001, was the very first car built under the new WRC regulations introduced in 1997. (more…)

  • IFR Aspid approved for Britcar racing championship

    The new IFR Aspid sports car has received approval to compete in the Britcar endurance racing car series.  The high performance road car, which already meets FIA security specifications, was sanctioned for the championship at a meeting between IFR founder Ignacio Fernández and Britcar founder James Tucker held at the Autosport International racing car show.

    “I’m delighted that teams will now have the opportunity to race the Aspid in this championship series,” says Fernández.  “The car was designed from the outset to meet FIA as well as EU regulations, so is unique in being a genuine ready-to-race high performance road car.  No additional preparation is required to go racing, so teams will find it extremely affordable.”

    “We welcome this all new player to the grid,” added Tucker.  “We created our endurance race car championship in 2002 with a new set of rules to attract a wide diversity of entries and the Aspid brings an exciting new addition to the series that will add to the racing and overtaking spectacle.”

    Tucker has confirmed that teams can enter the 270bhp naturally aspirated Aspid sport model in keeping with the series’ power-to-weight ratio regulation.  Due to the car’s extreme lightweight design, the 400bhp supercharged supersport model was considered at this stage to give too much of a performance advantage for Britcar racing, but will be considered for a possible new class of higher power-to-weight ratio race cars in the future.

    Racing car driver, Rob Hedley, has already expressed an interest in putting together the first team to race the new car and is lining up potential sponsors.

    Britcar founder James Tucker, race driver Rob Hedley and IFR founder Ignacio Fernandez, pictured with IFR Aspid at the Autosport International racing car show.

    “I knew I wanted to race it when I first heard about the car,” said Hedley.  “The Aspid is a brilliant piece of automotive engineering, developed from first principles, and should prove highly competitive.  It’s also immensely strong and offers a robust, reliable and cost-effective racing opportunity.”

    The car attracted a high level of interest at the Autosport and PistonHeads show, when it was shown for only the second time in the UK, following its debut at the British International Motor show last July.  Racecar enthusiasts and motor industry professionals had a rare opportunity to see it close-up and examine its exciting new technology and design features.  Ignacio Fernández, who put together the team of automotive engineers that created the car, was on hand to explain how the Aspid manages to outperform even a World Rally Championship car as well as most supercars … and at a fraction of the price.

    The award-winning Cataluña based company he founded five years ago, IFR Automotive, was established to help develop innovative green technologies based on new lightweight automotive designs increasingly required for the mainstream car market.

  • Maserati Unveils New Quattroporte Sport GT S

    The New Quattroporte Sport GT S Debuts in Detroit

    The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S making its worldwide première at the 2009 North American International Auto Show sets yet another milestone in terms of sportiness in the high performance luxury sedan segment of the automotive market. Conceived and developed as “a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury sedan”, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s sportiness in the Quattroporte range. (more…)