Safety Car – Automobiles Review

BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car

The Grande Prémio de Portugal from 24th to 26th March at Portimão marks the start of an anniversary season for BMW M, the 25th season as Official Car of MotoGP™. The close partnership with MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports dates back to 1999. The start of the anniversary season in Portugal will see the new BMW M safety car make its debut. The new BMW M2 MotoGP™ safety car is based on the new BMW M2 (combined fuel consumption in accordance with WLTP: 9.8 – 9.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions in accordance with WLTP: 222 – 218 g/km; details as per NEFZ: –)*, which made its world premiere in October.

“We are delighted to be joining BMW M in celebrating the 25th anniversary season of our partnership in 2023,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. “In BMW M we have had a strong partner at our side for a quarter of a century; a partner with whom we have enjoyed superb collaboration in many different areas. We are very proud of this long-standing partnership that is never at a standstill, it gives plenty of fresh momentum each year. With the most innovative technologies, BMW M is taking care of safety in our sport for the 25th year now, and is a firm fixture in the MotoGP paddock with a wide range of activities. Here’s to a fantastic anniversary season in 2023!”

“2023 is our 25th season as Official Car of MotoGP – a long-standing, close partnership like this is special in international racing,” added Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “We would like to thank Dorna Sports for the great trust they have placed in us for a quarter of a century now. Since 1999 we have been striving to incorporate our values such as innovation, technology, emotion, and passion into our partnership with Dorna Sports as well. Our new BMW M2 MotoGP safety car is just one example of this. With it we are continuing our tradition of putting the latest BMW M high-performance automobiles at the service of MotoGP safety. Be it the safety car fleet, the BMW M Award, or our many other activities in the top level of motorcycle racing – we are proud that Fascination M has become an important part of the MotoGP.”

The new BMW M2 impresses with the traditional characteristics of a high-performance sports car – in a concentrated form and with state-of-the-art technology. With its compact dimensions and the 460 hp TwinPower turbo in-line 6-cylinder engine, the new BMW M2 is the perfect basis for a BMW M safety car. The BMW M2 was kitted out with various safety car elements for its deployment on MotoGP™ racetracks. These elements include a roll bar, RECARO seats, 6-point racing harness, a fire extinguisher, the safety car roof bar, and the matching front light. Several M Performance parts, such as exhaust system, chassis, carbon wing mirror covers, diffusor, and rear wing have also been installed. The BMW M2 MotoGP™ safety car will have the standard BMW M safety car livery. In addition to the new BMW M2 MotoGP™ safety car, the safety car fleet of 2023 also includes many other BMW M safety, medical and official cars, as well as BMW M 1000 RR safety bikes.

March 20, 2023

Accord Safety Car to Pace Verizon IndyCar Series

Honda Accord is obviously perfect for pacing Indy, since it has been chosen for the safety car of the popular race. It is the first car at the Verizon IndyCar Series, which hasn’t happened for almost ten years. That’s right. The last time Honda utilized the Accord model for an Indy race was in 2006.

Now, the 2015 Honda Accord Safety Car can show what a huge mistake the Japanese company has made. The safety vehicle is based on the production coupe model, but it has a significant difference. It features performance enhancements created by Honda R&D Americas.

Under the hood, the car has the 3.5-liter V6 engine. It has been of course modified and now produces more than 400 horses. This was achieved with the help of high-flow fuel injectors which were mated to a single Borg-Warner turbocharger. Also contributing for the additional horsepower are the hand-crafted intake, intercooler and exhaust system.

In addition to this, the team has also added a crankshaft from the Acura RLX, which was then coupled with HPD competition pistons and connecting rods for maximum reliability of the new engine package. The tuned unit was then mated to a strengthened with high-intensity shot peening six-speed transmission. It also features a limited slip differential.

Chassis modifications feature HPD brake system. It includes competition rotors, racing pads and stainless steel brake lines. For optimum rigidity, the team reinforced and stiffened the other chassis components. Everything is taken onto the road via Firestone high-performance tires coupled with Enkei alloys.

There is also modification done to the interior and body of the safety car. It now includes Sparco seats, four-point racing harnesses and aerodynamic body kit, adding various lip spoilers. At last, the “Power of Dreams” graphics package is what really differentiates the car from its production siblings.

Source: Honda

April 29, 2015

Alfa Romeo 4C Safety Car for 2014 WTCC

Alfa Romeo 4C immediately became one of the most appreciated cars on the market. What is more, the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) chosen it to be a Safety Car during the races. Last week, BMW has introduced the M4 MotoGP Safety Car for this season and now the small Alfa Romeo 4C will take its duties.

The first appearance during a race will be on April 12^th – the first round of the season at Moulay El Hassan Circuit of Marrakech in Morocco.

As a reminder, the 2013 Alfa Romeo 4C is powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol with 240HP (177 kW) at 6,000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) at 2,000RPM of torque. The engine is connected to a dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 258 km/h (160 mph). It will average 6.8 liters / 100 km (41.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 157 g/km. All these figures are thanks to the super-low weight of 4C – just 895kg (1973 lb).

The 4C was also named “Most Beautiful Car of 2013” at the 29^th International Automobile Festival of Paris.

The complete 2014 FIA WTCC schedule follows:

12-13 April Morocco Moulay El Hassan Circuit
19-20 April France Paul Ricard Circuit
3-4 May Hungary Hungaroring
10-11 May Slovakia Slovakia Ring
24-25 May Austria Salzburgring
7-8 June Russia Moscow Raceway
21-22 June Belgium Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
2-3 August Argentina Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo
13-14 September United States Sonoma Raceway
11-12 October China Shanghai International Circuit
25-26 October Japan Japan
14-16 November Macau Da Guia Circuit

Source: Alfa Romeo

March 13, 2014

BMW M4 Coupe MotoGP Safety Car

BMW has unveiled the 2014 MotoGP Safety Car based on the all-new M4 Coupe. The last season’s MotoGP safety car was an M6 Gran Coupe, but now all eyes are on the M4.

The exterior boasts the tradiotional ///M livery and the typical lettering as well as a light bar. By the way, it look a lot like a real cop car. With the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car, the German manufacturer is showcasing some of the performance parts available for the sports coupe like front skirt attachments, a rear spoiler as well as a new diffuser. All parts are made exclusively from carbon fiber for maximum lightness and strength.

As a reminder, the engine is a a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 and M4 are able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the double clutch transmission.

Source: BMW

March 7, 2014

Alfa Romeo 4C Safety Car

Alfa Romeo 4C will be Official Safety Car to the Silverstone round of the FIM World Superbike Championship this weekend (Sunday, 4^th August).

The second UK round of the FIM World Superbike Championship visits the Northamptonshire circuit at the weekend, when top sponsor Alfa Romeo will bring a special liveried Alfa 4C as Official Safety Car to the round.

Following its dynamic UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Alfa 4C will make this second UK outing of the summer liveried in the red, white and green colours of the Italian flag.

For UK fans of Alfa’s eagerly anticipated new model, this will be another rare opportunity to see the stunning 240hp compact sports coupé in action.

“Alfa Romeo is a proud sponsor of the FIM World Superbike Championship having been associated with the series for seven years now. As we prepare to launch the Alfa 4C here in the UK, it’s fantastic to be able to showcase this car to the public for a second time as it takes to the prestigious Silverstone circuit.”, commented Damien Dally, Head of Brand at Alfa Romeo UK.

The 4C is powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol with 240HP (176 kW) and 350Nn (258 lb-ft) of torque mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox sending the power to an LSD (limited-slip differenetial) at the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

Source: Alfa Romeo

July 31, 2013

BMW ///M6 Gran Coupe MotoGP Safety Car

BMW has revealed the the M6 Gran Coupe MotoGP Safety Car. The manufacturer has been involved in MotoGP since 1999 and provides the official Safety Cars. The vehicle will make its official appearance this weekend during the Grand Prix of Qatar.

The high-performance BMW M6 Gran Coupe is a premium product, which combines outstanding performance with captivating aesthetics and luxurious elegance. The latest top model to emerge from BMW M GmbH is powered by a high-rev V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The maximum output is 560HP (412 kW) and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or 305 km/h (189 mph), when fitted with the optional M Driver’s Package. The engine is coupled with a 7-speed M double-clutch gearbox.

In total, the fleet of official MotoGP cars for the 2013 season comprises five BMW M and M Performance models. As well as the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, the BMW M6 Coupe and the BMW M5 will also be in action as Safety Cars. The Safety Officer will take to the track in a BMW M3 Coupe, while two BMW M550d xDrive Tourings will be used as medical cars. BMW Motorrad will also provide two new BMW HP4s as Safety Bikes.

Source: BMW

April 5, 2013

2012 BMW M6 F12 MotoGP Safety Car

BMW has announced the M6 F12 MotoGP Safety Car. It will be presented at this weekend’s M Festival at the 24 Hour Nurburgring Race. The car will also lead the M Corso parade featuring a lot of interesting models.

The car comes with slightly restyled exterior finished in white, ///M stripes and badges “Safety Car”. The aerodynamics is improved by a new front splitter and a rear wing. The front grille is finished in gloss black.

The new M6 is powered by the famous twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 560HP (412 kW) and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) powering the M5 F10. It is mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission.

0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. Probably, the Safety Car will be slightly more powerful and with removed speed limiter.

Stay tuned!

Source: BMW

May 18, 2012

Mercedes C 63 AMG Safety Car – 2011 DTM season

Mercedes has introduced the new C63 AMG DTM Safety Car, which is entirely ready for the 2011 racing season. The vehicle is based on the latest C-class with the mighty 6.2 liter V8 AMG engine.

It also features adjustable coil-over suspension, a high-performance braking system and a roof-mounted LED light bar. The interior boasts sports bucket seats, an advanced communications system, a leather and Alcantara steering wheel with paddle shifters, a radio system and a TV monitor..

The engine is the well-known 6.2 liter V8 with installed AMG Performance Package. The power is 487PS (358 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

The C 63 AMG Safety Car stands on multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange – 235/35 R 19 front tyres and 255/30 R 19 rear tyres.

Mercedes-AMG has provided the Safety Car ever since the “new” DTM’s inception in 2000 and alternates with Audi from race to race. The flagship V8 C-Class model from AMG has been used in DTM since its launch in 2008.

AMG Safety Car DTM

Source: Mercedes

April 29, 2011

2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG and SLS AMG Safety Cars

Mercedes-Benz has prepared to special vehicles, which will take a part at the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship in Melbourne. This is the starting event and it will be held on March 25-27^th.

The Official F1 Safety Car will be SLS AMG with some modifications and the Official F1 Medical Car is going to be special C 63 AMG Estate. AMG has been continuously active in Formula 1 for 15 years.

SLS AMG Safety Car is driven by 39 year old German racing driver Bernd Maylander, who has been doing this work for FIA since 2000. During the racing, SLS AMG Safety Car will be on stand by in the pit lane and in case of emergency, it will take control of the situation fastly.

C 63 AMG Estate has been a Medical car from 2008 to 2010. The new one features AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission. The special car follows the F1 cars during the starting lap, because this is the most critical phase of the race.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 23, 2011

BMW 1 Series M Coupe Safety Car

BMW has announced a specially created 1 Series M Safety Car for MotoGP. The auto-maker is also offering other high-performance vehicles to be used by the Dorna Sports management team and IRTA officials.

On 19^th March, BMW 1 Series M Coupe will for the first time be deployed as the official Safety Car for the MotoGP events.

BMW 1 Series M Coupe is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder with 340PS (250 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The BMW Safety Car features carbon fibre-reinforced bonnet featuring additional large air vents, as well as polycarbonate side and rear windows. There are also a lightweight titanium race exhaust system, an adjustable rear wing, new front apron and an additional splitter integrated on the underside of the apron.

The interior includes a rollcage, absence of rear seats, two racing bucket seats with 6-point safety belts, an M steering wheel in alcantara and a fire extinguisher.

The suspension is also improved – an adjustable race track set-up that includes a sports-tuned chassis in which the dampers are independently adjustable for bump and rebound.

The car stands on 19” wheels with tires in dimensions 255/35 at the front and 285/30 at the rear. The braking system of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, already designed for extremely high demands, is replaced in the Safety Car with a 6-piston fixed-calliper racing brake system.

source: BMW

March 18, 2011

Porsche Panamera Turbo Safety Car

Porsche has introduced Panamera Turbo safety car, which will be used specially for the 2011 American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

The car is based on Porsche Panamera Turbo and features a 4.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 500PS (368 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) between 2 250 and 4500RPM. All that power is needed to keep pace on the track. Panamera Turbo does 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and to 100mph in just 8.2 seconds. Quarter mile is covered in 11.7 seconds with 192 km/h (119 mph). The top speed is 303 km/h (188 mph), which is quite good for big four-door coupe.

Porsche are also unveiled two Cayenne ALMS Emergency Response Vehicles which will be on stand-by in case there’s any trouble at any of this season’s races.

There are no further details about the special vehicles, but the company will release more data, soon.

source: Porsche

March 18, 2011

SL 63 AMG and C 63 AMG Estate the Official F1™ Safety and Medical Cars

The SL 63 AMG, as the Official F1^TM Safety Car, and the C 63 AMG Estate, as the Official F1^TM Medical Car, are to continue to help ensure maximum safety, this time for the 2009 Formula 1 season. AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, will be on duty with the two specially prepared high-performance vehicles at all 17 of the new season’s Formula 1 races, starting with a first appearance at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (27 to 29 March 2009). The specialists from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO are responsible for the development, production and servicing of the vehicles. (more…)

March 27, 2009

Tag: Safety Car