2015 BMW Z4 GTLM CSL Homage Livery Meets 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL Racecar At Amelia Island Concours

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 15, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

It is hard to beat BMW’s on-track photos of this impressive pair of racecars. At Sebring, sun setting and cars in formation!? Yes please! The new 2015 Z4 GTLM CSL wears an official Homage Livery for this year, 40 years since the first BMW USA Motorsport victory. TO celebrate this anniversary, the new Z4 GTLM CSL matches its forebear’s BMW Motorsport colors that have come to define the brand. This incredibly intense Z4 widebody fired up with the deep rumble of sheer power, with its rear slicks and massive downforce package the added proof. Relative to this giant-killing Z4, …

2015 ED Design TORQ Concept 40

2015 ED Design TORQ Concept Racer Is Unusual, Conflicted Design Study

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 11, 2015, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

This is a curious one. The ED Design TORQ concept from Geneva 2015. A product of a growing Italian design consultancy, this concept is a look at future automated race-cars. The most curious parts of the car are two: — a total lack of glass. The view out is via surround-view cameras projected on an inner wrap-around screen projection. — the seating for two and steering wheel These two traits do not really match each other. A lack of glass makes sense when only sensors are controlling the driving action. But with passenger and a driver, monitors seem like …

BMW Amelia Island 2015 36

BMW Bringing a Dozen of Its Greatest 2-Door Hits to Amelia Island 2015

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 11, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

BMW is bringing a fleet of 2-door heroes to Amelia Island Concours this weekend: a few greatest hits, a few hot supercars, and perhaps the all-time BMW racing icon: the 3.0 CSL race-winner from 1975. Alongside this wide-body in M colors is the road-going version, which is almost as special. Among these are the 328 Mille Miglia, the 1980 BMW M1, the first-gen Z3, the 2015 Z4 racecar, 650i Convertible and the 2015 i8. A good group, to be sure. Watch this space for in-person photos of the cars early next week! BMW Amelia Island 2015 BMW CELEBRATES 40TH …

Geneva 2015 Showfloor - Toyota 3

Geneva 2015 Showfloor – Toyota Rolls Out New Avensis + TS040 Hybrid Racecar

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 6, 2015, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

Toyota’s big news for the Geneva show this year is the new Avensis sedan in wagon — both of which are available in Hybrid versions. The fuel-cell 2016 Mirai is also represented, along with the 2015 WEC Champion racecar: the TS040 Hybrid. We have not yet seen Toyota Motorsport GmbH’s 2015 entry, which is likely to be updated modestly versus the car shown here. Seeing a full LMP1 car in person is almost always exciting, though. They are huge in width and length, but almost impossibly low. Even the new design with a full roof could pass under most toll-booth …

Updated With Video + 40 New Pics – 2015 Mercedes-AMG GT3

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 5, 2015, 6 pm by Tom Burkart

WWwwwwwoooowwwww. Did you watch the video above!? Incredible pace and thundering sound from this new AMG GT3. 2015 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Geneva Reveal Selected image credits: http://blog.mercedes-benz-passion.com PREVIOUS First off, Mercedes-AMG has been remarkably kind with the name of its new racecar: just called the AMG GT3. Versus the AMG GT GT3, the simple moniker is very nice indeed. Besides that generosity, the AMG GT3 is a totally brutal racecar. Running the previous SLS GT3’s 6.2-liter V8 versus the new twin-turbo powertrain in the production car, the AMG GT3 is nonetheless comprehensively overhauled for the needs of FIA GT3-class …

2016 McLaren P1 GTR Meets 1997 McLaren F1 GT LongTail In Geneva 6

2016 McLaren P1 GTR Meets 1997 McLaren F1 GT LongTail In Geneva

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 3, 2015, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 3.3.15 Seeing the 1997 F1 GT LongTail at the Geneva show really drives home how different it is than the original road car. A dramatically-flared rear fender and lower aero upgrade beside the doors is a big part of the upgrade, along with a giant front splitter and pointy rear end. 1997 McLaren F1 GT LongTail The 2016 McLaren P1 GTR is now in full racing mode. Scary-fast and ready to blast out of the pits at the Circuit de Catalunya later this year with the elite crop of owner-drivers who will join the ultimate racing experience. The P1 …

2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 9

2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Makes Geneva Debut With 500HP + Wild Track Upgrades All Around

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 3, 2015, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

Welcome to the most hardcore Porsche 911 of all time: the new GT3 RS. Wearing track-ready details throughout the exterior and interior, the GT3 RS really moves the 911 up a league in its overall speed potential. It starts with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine making 500-horsepower and delivering a 3.3-second sprint to 62-mph. A full light-weighting package means the roof is now magnesium, the wings in front are carved out with downforce slots, and the rear end packs both a fixed ducktail and a giant flat wing. Drama in the rear wide-track fenders brings an all-new fender vent that folds …

NASCAR Truck Series 2015 Toyota Tundra 28

HD Engine Startup! Meeting Three NASCAR Truck Series 2015 Toyota Tundra Drivers

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 26, 2015, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

Insights about the 2015 Toyota Tundra NASCAR trucks versus the cars? A special meet/greet with Johnny Sauter let us know that the trucks are far more controllable, and far more thrilling to race (in the driver’s seat) as a result. The NASCAR sedans, in contrast, were much more “exhilarating” due to a pronounced lack of control via grippy downforce. Exhilarating would definitely be a code-word for terrifying and loose and wild….! The 2015 NASCAR Tundra, by contrast, is more playful and playable out there on the Daytona International Speedway — per driver Johnny Sauter, who drove both trucks and cars …

2015-Mercedes-AMG-GT3-14sd

2015 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Racecar Revealed Wearing 300SL-Inspired Vertical Grille Slats

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 26, 2015, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

First off, Mercedes-AMG has been remarkably kind with the name of its new racecar: just called the AMG GT3. Versus the AMG GT GT3, the simple moniker is very nice indeed. Besides that generosity, the AMG GT3 is a totally brutal racecar. Running the previous SLS GT3’s 6.2-liter V8 versus the new twin-turbo powertrain in the production car, the AMG GT3 is nonetheless comprehensively overhauled for the needs of FIA GT3-class racing. These GT3 specials are interesting to watch race because they are all genuine production platforms, upgraded for racing. No other class or series is as faithful to original …

Hypercar Heroes - 1999 Lamborghini Diablo GTR - Restored By Reiter Engineering 22

Hypercar Heroes – 1999 Lamborghini Diablo GTR – Restored By Reiter Engineering

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 25, 2015, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

The 1999 Diablo GTR was the ultimate Lambo from the 20th century — with power from its V12 up 50 from the SVR and now belting out 590 ponies, the GTR was a shock to the system. Custom-built in a run of just 30 cars, the Diablo GTR was a track-day special and dominated in the one-make SuperTrophy series. This fantastic example is completely restored to as-new condition by the current SquadraCorsa race partners of Lambo, Reiter Engineering. Despite being replaced by the Murcielago shortly after the GTR arrived, this Diablo is arguably more enticing these days than its successor. …

2015 MINI Vision Gran Turismo Concept 2

First Look – 2015 MINI Vision Gran Turismo Concept Is Widebody Clubman GT3

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 25, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

First look today at the upcoming MINI entrant into the world of Gran Turismo 6. This MINI Vision GT concept promises a massive jump in power and track ability, likely with AWD and nearly 400-horsepower. We only have a few sketches of the car plus two digital teasers, but the real thing will be seen very soon online, and perhaps in person at the Geneva auto show next week. The MINI VGT will be raceable with the next PlayStation update for Gran Turismo, likely mid-March. 2015 MINI Vision Gran Turismo Concept

2016-Aston-Martin-VULCAN-8a

850HP 2016 Aston Martin VULCAN Is All-New Tactical Strike Flagship with 7.0L Racing V12

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 25, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

WOW! This new Aston Martin flagship has some serious thrills in store for its lucky owners. Named to honor the famous Avro Vulcan bomber, the Aston Vulcan will seek to match the excitement, adrenaline and glory of the first tactical nuclear strike plane ever produced. Luckily, this new track-only Aston delivers the goods without any fallout or blowback…. To continue the theme, the Vulcan was designed in a time when nuclear bombs had to still be dropped. Although the ICBM would arrive in the 1960s along with the production bomber, this plane was still a critical part of the …

Vantage GT3_06 - Copy

2015 Aston Martin VANTAGE GT3 Is Most-Extreme V12S With Hardcore Aero Upgrade All Around

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 23, 2015, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

Okay, Aston special edition fatique is definitely setting in pretty hard lately. But this is one special Vantage to really get – and keep – your attention in focus. But there is a big catch. What is special about this Vantage GT3? Based on the Vantage V12 S Coupe, the new GT3 model is 200-pounds lighter and nearly doubles the aerodynamic grip generated at high speeds. How? Through an all-new nose with deep splitter and ductwork, a fresh hood vent design to free any trapped air in this ultra-tight engine bay, and full reprofiled intake and bumper design in carbon-fiber. …

2015 Toyota Camry - DAYTONA 500 Official Pace Car 25

2015 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Morphs Into DAYTONA 500 Official Pace Car + #83 Johnny Sauter Camry NASCAR

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 21, 2015, 6 pm by Tom Burkart

First up-close look at the 2015 Camry Pace Car in real life. A modified 2015 CAMRY XSE V6, shiny exhausts and a lower stance are visible above 19-inch BBS alloys and Z-rated tires. Just a tire and spring change away from being approved for 155mph? Yep. Summer rubber on this pace car, even in chilly February! The pair of Camry Pace Cars is active regularly during the Budweiser Duel Races that serve as a qualifier for the Daytona 500 lineup. This new LED-lit 2015 Camry Pace Car has no trouble managing track brutes at up to 125-mph around tracks like …

2015 Toyota Camry NASCAR Dollar General 21

DAYTONA – Meeting the 199MPH 2015 Toyota Camry NASCAR of Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 21, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Thrilling week in Daytona Beach so far! An incredible day of meeting Toyota NASCAR drivers, crew chiefs and even the president of TRD USA, the overall lead in the Toyota Racing effort in American events. Meeting the 2015 Camry racer up close then seeing it in what felt like an HD action movie of the race Duels later? YES! So much fun to see the Daytona Speedweek leadup to the Daytona 500 tomorrow, Sunday the 22nd of February. The car-guy part of NASCAR culture makes tech and equipment off-track and in the pits every bit as serious as a wild …

2016 McLaren P1 GTR Yellow 12-vert - Copy

986HP, ~2.2s 2016 McLaren P1 GTR Revealed Before Geneva and Catalunya Track Driver Program

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 18, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

The 2016 McLaren P1 GTR is now in full racing mode. Scary-fast and ready to blast out of the pits at the Circuit de Catalunya later this year with the elite crop of owner-drivers who will join the ultimate racing experience. The P1 GTR is significantly stripped and optimized for track duties versus its P1 road-going hypercar base-point, which was no shrinking violet itself when it comes to extreme performance. The P1 GTR is an in-house way for McLaren to bring its racing expertise to regular owners, with full pit-crew support and the chance to touch the P1 GTR’s …

2015 KTM X-Bow GTR Is Reskinned and GT4-Ready To Race via Reiter Engineering

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 17, 2015, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

KTM’s branch-out from its motorcycle core with the X-Bow has created a rapid and fierce bunch of loyalists on and off the racetracks of the world. A simple idea of a carbon-fiber tub, mid-engine dynamics and deconstructed and minimalist panels was such a revolution six years ago — yet today is almost the global supercar template. From the X-Bow — pronounced CrossBow — came the X-Bow GT and the latest one-make race series, increases to 400-plus horsepower, and even a windshield for those days when you can drive without a race helmet. The next step for the X-Bow takes the …

1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Spider by Zagato 6a

RM Amelia 2015 Preview – 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Spider by Zagato

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 15, 2015, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Meet the most successful Alfa Romeo racecar of all time. This 6C 1750 Gran Sport Spider by Zagato is the ultimate evolution on the Alfa Romeo race platform of the day, refined and tweaked with the help of poached Fiat engineering talent. The goal? To win races decisively. And win it did. This tilt-radiator design helped to keep the supercharged engine cool by shifting more air through its vanes, and also creating less aerodynamic drag. A one-two punch. That and the body by Zagato certainly helped the car look cool – both then and now. 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C …

RM Amelia 2015 Preview – 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra May Top $1-Million In Return to Early-Series Buyer Preference

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 15, 2015, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

The million-dollar pre-sale estimate on this 1963 Shelby Cobra is a testament to three things: — the essential ‘rightness’ of the original concept, design and execution of this Anglo-American mashup — the value of Shelby Cobra’s continuing to rise, with originals like this sure to be among the highest-value models of all — and the fact that all those replicas and rip-offs actually reinforce and strengthen the legacy of the Shelby Cobra, but will never touch its overall collector value 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra RM Auctions Amelia Island 14 March 2015 Lot 178 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra $950,000 – $1,150,000 …

1968 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder 1

RM Amelia 2015 Preview – 1968 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 15, 2015, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

Imagine a car with the low, wide and long late-60s proportions of the Maserati Ghibli and Ferrari Daytona, but with nose detailing more evocative of the famous Ferrari 250 GTO. Even the chrome wrap-around bumpers set a perfect late-50s mood that was forever lost to history by the introduction of 5-mph safety bumpers and other pesky requirements for US sale. The team behind Intermeccanica certainly could, and this machine has a really timeless and special beauty as a result. Powered by a Ford V8, this Turin-made supercar also lacks the badge appeal of any modern Ferrari or Lamborghini. As such, …

1955 Jaguar D-Type Twin-Cowl 15

RM Amelia 2015 Preview – 1955 Jaguar D-Type Twin-Cowl

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 15, 2015, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

This Jaguar is sure to be both a fan and expert favorite at the RM Auctions event in Amelia Island next month. One of 54 ever made, this privateer racecar is exquisite in its period style, achievements and performance. A surviving race-winner, the twin-cowl cockpit and windshield are particularly delightful, as is the cabin with its myriad aviation-derived instruments. 1955 Jaguar D-Type Twin-Cowl RM Auctions Amelia Island 14 March 2015 Lot 135 1955 Jaguar D-Type $3,750,000 – $4,250,000 Chassis no. XKD 530 Engine no. E 2044 9 Body no. H 2030 Est. 300 bhp, 3,781 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine …

2015 BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car - New Hydro-Cooled Boost Vaporization 72

2015 BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car – New Water-Cooled Boost Vaporization – Coming to 2016 M4 GTS?

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 13, 2015, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

This new M4 MotoGP Safety Car is a beaut in its matte-black finish and artful M-color racing stripes and huge fixed wing atop the trunk. But there are two pieces of big news hiding under that pace-car livery: a new water-cooled turbo vaporization technology and the possibility of these upgrades hitting an M4 GTS production model in the next year or so with up to 100 extra horsepower. First off, the water cooled turbo system. First off, to clarify. Most intercoolers or charge cooler systems actually spray water to the outside of the intercooler itself. Spraying water atop the cooling …

Nissan GT-R LM NISMO

2015 Nissan GT-R LM Nismo LMP1 Racer Makes Public Debut in Chicago – 40 New Photos!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 13, 2015, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

The hot and heavy three-way battle among Porsche, Audi and Toyota in the LeMans Prototype One race class just got a lot steamier. Nissan just pulled back the silk sheets on its contender to World Endurance Championship racing: the 2015 Nissan GT-R LM NISMO. And boy does it go its own way to achieving massive speed and impact, while sticking to the very expansive fuel usage rules of LeMans racing. The biggest shocker is not that it is a hybrid twin-turbo-charged V6 making 1250-horsepower. It shocks with where that engine sits, and where it delivers its power. The engine lives …

Ege Argüden 2035 Aston Martin AMR-AP LeMans Racer 12

Design Talent Showcase – Ege Arguden 2035 Aston Martin AMR-AP LeMans Racer

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 10, 2015, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

This design study by emerging automotive design all-star Ege Arguden is a fascinating look into the future of endurance racing. With ‘air power’ that compresses oxygen and converts it to wheel thrust, this future-tech racecar has many interesting facets to study even today. Versus contemporary Aston Martin racing prototypes, the AMR-AP by Arguden is a massive leap into the future. Even so, the 2035 AMR-AP design sticks with the things we know already work so well on the track: ultra-low nose, shrouded fenders, massive length and long-tail spoiler with numerous stabilizer elements. The Arguden AMR-AP prototype is most special to …

2014 Superformance GT40 Mark I - MEGA Photo Shoot and Ride-Along Videos 86

Superformance GT40 Mk1 – Gulf Racing Livery in 90 Gorgeous Photos + 2 Videos

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 10, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Update1 – Republishing this with new gallery formats. While editing these photos just now, I am trying to think of the right description for the beauty shown by the Superformance GT40 Mark I. (And its humble photographer…!) All I keep thinking is: “These Photos Are Wet-Your-Pants Gorgeous!” The 100-plus photos below hopefully make up for the very disappointing camerawork in my GT40 ride-along. Yes, for most of it, I am narrating into an iPhone that was not actually, ahem, recording… VIDEO PART ONE Ride-Along VIDEO PART TWO Overall, owning a Superformance GT40 is now near the top of my long …

1927 Miller 91 Boyle Valve Special 30

RM Auctions Amelia Island 2015 – 1927 Miller 91 Boyle Valve Special

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 7, 2015, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Harry Miller was a Wisconsin-born racecar designer and engineer who innovated new engine designs and tested them on the world’s fastest racetrack: the oval of the Indianapolis 500. Legend says that 80-plus-percent of the Indy cars fielded in the 1920s were Miller designs, with at least a dozen race-winners from 1911 to 1933 when his business folded. Harry Miller’s race team would go on after being purchased by his shop foreman and chief machinist Fred Offenhauser, who would continue the race team until the 1980s. This 1927 Boyle Valve Special did not win the race, disappointing Miller considering he …

2015 F1 Cars Comparo – Infiniti RB11 vs McLaren-Honda MP4-30 vs AMG W06 vs Ferrari SF15T

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 5, 2015, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Formula One is back soon for one of the most exciting seasons in years: with grudges galore, tech battles, pitlane drama and gossip flowing like champagne. A shuffle of drivers sends Vettel to Ferrari, Alonso to McLaren and even a few new boys in the mix. The big four contenders have all revealed their cars for 2015, and while visual judgment of the machines is not a determining factor in their racing success, it is still interesting to see them all side-by-side from various angles. The latest look ditches the old dong-nose style of 2014, thank goodness, and aerodynamics are …

2016 Nissan Maxima #WithDad Commercial – Creative Strategy Analysis

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 2, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

This 90-second Nissan ad is a huge, huge overall branding push – with a (negotiated) price of about $10-million just for the media, it needs to connect a lot of dots and hit the right notes to earn its worth. It is admittedly pretty touching, and themes such as bonding with a distant father are highly universal. The scenes are also uniquely Nissan. You could not switch out the brand or product easily, which is a sign of good creative. The same cannot be said for Kia Motors Pierce Brosnan ad, or even the touching Jeep Renegade spot. When …

2015 Nissan GT-R LM NISMO 8a

LMP1 3-Way Becomes Fourgy! 2015 Nissan GT-R LM Nismo Revealed With 1250HP, Front-Drive V6TT?!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 2, 2015, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

The hot and heavy three-way battle among Porsche, Audi and Toyota in the LeMans Prototype One race class just got a lot steamier. Nissan just pulled back the silk sheets on its contender to World Endurance Championship racing: the 2015 Nissan GT-R LM NISMO. And boy does it go its own way to achieving massive speed and impact, while sticking to the very expansive fuel usage rules of LeMans racing. The biggest shocker is not that it is a hybrid twin-turbo-charged V6 making 1250-horsepower. It shocks with where that engine sits, and where it delivers its power. The engine lives …

2015-Lexus-LF-LC-GT-Vision-Gran-Turismo-18ADSA

2015 Lexus LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo Is Race-Ready With Fantasy Gound-Effect Aero

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 31, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

There are obviously a few routes a brand cane take with their Vision Gran Turismo prototype racers, and this makes sense. When you play GT6 (or any GT) the cars are classified by power to weight ratio, drivetrain layouts, and myriad other classifications. So it is not as if all these VGT cars just end up on a track together. With that in mind, the new Lexus LF-LC GT falls into a much more practical category that hyper-futuristic ideas like the Chevrolet Chaparral or the most recent Renault Alpine. This LF-LC GT is a down-to-earth look that is very, …

Yaris-WRC_Studio_3

300HP 2017 Toyota Yaris WRC Marks Return to Top-Flight Rally Racing

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 30, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Toyota is coming back to the World Rally Championship is search of even more podium glory! Over the previous Toyota Team Europe racing campaigns, the big T racked up an extremely impressive 43 victories before bowing out after the 1999 season. For 2017, Toyota is back with a TMG-fettled Yaris hatchback to take on dominant players like Citroen and VW. 2017 Toyota Yaris WRC World Rally Championship return for Toyota Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) will return to the FIA World Rally Championship in 2017 with a car developed and built entirely at its technical centre in Cologne. Over the …

Hall of Fame – 2012 Nissan JUKE-R – Branded Marketing Halo Worth Weight in Gold

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 29, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

The 2012 Nissan Juke-R broke all the rules of concept cars, branding and supercar manufacturing. ‘Broke the rules’ is an absolute marketing cliche in this day and age, with every brand and their mom trying to play the rebel and bad-boy, all in search of that most elusive of demographics: the male 13-34. The reason this freakish creation with a Juke body atop a shortened Nissan GT-R platform was ostensibly just to showcase the GT-R’s amazing skills, perhaps living under the skin of normal and affordable Nissan models. In the JUKE-R’s case, the resemblence was far more that a branding …

1966 Sunbeam Tiger V8 1

Mecum Florida 2015 – 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 4.7L V8 Signed by Carroll Shelby

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 28, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

The Sunbeam Tiger was quite a few cars in one. First off, it was the classic transplant of a tiny English roadster now powered by a big American V8. This ethos gave these lightweight and delicate sportscars huge power they were never designed to handle. The result was a playful and wild handling demeanor on the roads, and even more on the track. Secondly, it was the second project of Carroll Shelby after the Cobra. Shelby wanted to build the car in the US, but Sunbeam decided to keep assembly in Blighty. Shelby was incensed, and the Sunbeam Tiger V8 …

Renault ALPINE Vision Gran Turismo Racer on Video and 70 Photos!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 28, 2015, 8 am by Tom Burkart

Welcome to the future of racing, courtesy of the racing boffins at Renault ALPINE and Gran Turismo! Sony’s PlayStation GT6 just got a bit more exciting today, with a mid-mounted, 4.5-liter V8 pushing this new prototype to a Vmax of 199-mph. We have two versions of the Alpine Vision GT here, one with the dual boattail venturi tail and one with a LeMans-style rear wing. On both, there is a cool active aero air-brake functionality in the sides of the rear end. These square-shaped flaps snap open to keep the rear end planted under braking, and slow the vehicle by …

1960 Plymouth Fury NASCAR 42

Mecum Florida 2015 – 1960 Plymouth Fury NASCAR Modified to Recreate Richard Petty’s Daytona 500 Racer

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 27, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

UPDATE 1 Sorry guys. Some shoddy reporting (and total lack of fact-checking:) on the first draft of this article below! Richard Petty started racing in 1958 at the Historic Columbia Speedway, so this 1960 model-year Plymouth was definitely not his first NASCAR ride. A bit of Petty trivia? He returned to this tiny dirt oval in 1959 to score his first win. The track is still around today, but in a heavily ‘disused’ state with much grass growing through the paved sections, which were laid down in the late 1960s. We do believe this body Plmouth Fury was his ride …

2015 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 4

2015 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 May Signal Global Racing Ambitions for the Raging Bull

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 21, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

The new Lamborghini Huracan GT3 takes the LP620-2 Super Trofeo car above and beyond all previous Lambo track performance. The new rear spoiler, larger splitters and green-accented details hide big upgrades inside to the overall safety spec: a new FIA-regulated seat, fire extinguisher and roof hatch make the Huracan GT3 even safer at flat out in the Blancpain GT3 series. They may also be a precursor to runs in the Nurburgring 24-hour race and other WEC racing competitions — which would be big news for largely street-supercar Lamborghini. As quick and wild as all Lambo’s are, the firm’s racing …

650S Le Mans_01-vert

2015 McLaren 650S Le Mans by MSO Celebrates F1 GTR’s Race Victory 20 Years Ago

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 20, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

McLaren Special Operations just revealed their next project: a special run of 650S Coupes inspired by the McLaren F1’s Le Mans win 20 years ago. Monoblock five-spoke alloys and grey paint are part of the package, as is the legacy of the F1’s amazing achievement around LeSarthe in 1995. 2015 McLaren 650S Le Mans by MSO McLaren P1 GTR McLAREN SPECIAL OPERATIONS ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF THE McLAREN 650S LE MANS CELEBRATING 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF FAMOUS WIN 20/01/15 Limited edition model launched to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR victory at the 24 Hours of Le …

2015 vs 2014 Porsche 919 Hybrid - LMP1 Racers Compared 5

2015 vs 2014 Porsche 919 Hybrid – LMP1 Racers Compared

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 19, 2015, 8 am by Tom Burkart

Porsche just rolled out its 2015 model-year LeMans P1 car for initial track testing at Yas Marina today, and we see a continuation on most aspects of the 2014 racer. Porsche is characteristically tight-lipped about what has changed since last year, but has confirmed that the turbo V4 powertrain will continue, along with three electric boosters. But while the 2015 car looks very similar to the 2014 contender, you can be sure that there have been extensive studies and engineering under the skin. It takes more than a quick look to find any clear changes outside, but we have identified …

RM Amelia Island Preview - 1988 Jaguar XJR-9 22

RM Amelia Island Preview – 1988 Jaguar XJR-9

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 18, 2015, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

It is fantastic to see a true icon of LMP1 racing design and achievement up for sale. This 1988 Jaguar XJR-9 is the only remaining example and even won the nearby 1990 Daytona 24-hour race almost exactly 25 years before it will go across the block for RM Auctions in Amelia Island, Florida in early March. 1988 Jaguar XJR-9 Amelia Island 14 March 2015 1988 Jaguar XJR-9 Chassis no. TWR-J12C-388 The sole remaining original of only two purpose-built IMSA specification XJR-9s constructed, chassis 388 enjoyed huge record of success through 1988, 1989 and 1990 2015 marks 25th anniversary of this …

1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS by Bertone 1 - Copy

RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale by Bertone

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 18, 2015, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Racing specials with a limited number of road cars made for homologation are some of the coolest machines ever made. This Giulietta SS definitely falls into that category, with an extremely limited number ever made — and even fewer surviving in original, near-perfect condition as this car. 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS by Bertone RM Auctions Paris 4 February 2015 Lot 132 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale by Bertone To be auctioned on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 €90.000 – €120.000 Chassis no. AR101.20 00542 Engine no. AR00120 01061 116 bhp, 1,290 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with twin Weber …

2016-McLaren-P1-GTR-Pebble-Beach-World-Debut-4

2016 McLaren P1 GTR Shakedown Testing Ahead of March Production Debut

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 18, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

The new P1 GTR is getting very close to production, with the style and design of the prototype shown in Pebble Beach now roaring around racetracks for hot-weather testing. And does it ever roar — The video below offers a quick glimpse into the P1 GTR test program – with the GTR sounding as loud as a top-fuel dragster as it makes a flying pass around 1:20-seconds below. The P1 GTR program will function similar to Ferrari XX Corsa Clienti – with drivers enjoying numerous on-track driving sessions at global racetracks, and also participating in a one-make series like no …

2015 Peugeot 2008 DKR Rally Racer – Tech Specs and Pre-Dakar Photos

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 17, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

The Peugeot DKR prototype currently blasting through the Chilean sahara on the 2015 Dakar rally has been a bit of a wallflower before the race. Few official photos of the truck have been seen. The mid-engine, rear-drive off-roader is an evolution of the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak car, but raised dramatically for its new Dakar mission. The same team that created the LeMans 908 HDi FAP cars have created both of these latest racing Pugs, and all have shared the primary super-diesel engine power. This 3.0-liter twin turbo-diesel is a total torque monster: it pushes out 590 pound-feet of …

Dakar 2015 – IVECO Making Big Gains With One-Two Finish on Day 11 in T4 Trucks Class

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 16, 2015, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

These Dakar press releases are always a bit confusing due to how long and how many stages there are in this grueling race. We are wrapping day 12 today, with two more to go. The T4 trucks class is always a fun one to watch because the vehicles are simply so gigantic. To see a 10-ton truck do flying leaps and landings is an unfortgettable spectacle, to be sure. Italian Iveco has been moving up the charts late in the Dakar 2015 race, but still languishes about 7th in overall truck rankings — behind the huge volume of Kamaz, Renault …

2015 Volkswagen Polo R WRC Is Packing 318HP For Monte Carlo Season-Opener

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 16, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

Pretty sexy upgrades for the Polo R WRC in 2015 — with the giant wide-body and open-box fenders venting the red-hot brake and turbo heat. These rallies are very long, with Monte Carlo in particular a major challenge for race engineers, teams and drivers alike. After all: what other series races off-road — even in the snow?! 2015 Volkswagen Polo R WRC THE FULL “MONTE”: THE NEW POLO R WRC MAKES ITS DEBUT AT A RALLY CLASSIC 16/01/15 First big test for the second generation Polo R WRC Volkswagen drivers Ogier, Latvala and Mikkelsen first onto the “Monte” …

2015 Dakar Rally – Peugeot 2008 DKR – 100-Photo Action Gallery

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 16, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

In the previous Dakar article today about the MINI Countryman All4 team, we noted how their action photos from the event took the cake for sharing the race excitement with the rest of us. After a bit of digging, we’ve found a real treasure-trove. Photos and videos so amazing they make MINI’s effort look a little silly and amateurish. Who could deliver this? None other than the racing powerhouse Red Bull. Videos, photos, interviews – all numbering in the hundreds. All with production values that are ready for 4K HDTV. Most of the MINI team is powered by Monster Energy, …

MINI Countryman DAKAR 2015 19

MINI Countryman Team Looks Set for Dakar Four-Peat

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 16, 2015, 7 am by Tom Burkart

MINI has been dominating the Paris-Dakar rally in Chile for the last four years running — and that dominance looks set to continue this year. The MINI squad is up about 30 minutes ahead of the next-quickest team as we enter day 12 of the race. The major competition in the form of the very-cool Peugeot 2008 DKR is still in the game, but with only one truck left. One of the DKR Pugs crashed out early in the competition. So will MINI sweep the competition again!? Watch this space. But when it comes to amazing action shots from the …

1971-Mercedes-Benz-300-SEL-6

Mercedes-AMG – Top 10 Greatest Hits

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 15, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

When you think of the top 10 AMG cars of all time, you might instantly put the red SEL racing sedan first, and we have. As the first AMG on record, it sets the tone for racing Mercedes cars for decades to come. It showed the levels the AMG team would go to upfit a Mercedes luxury sedan for the racetrack, even when far more suitable sports-cars might seem more logical to some as a base point. You might also put the SLS in the second spot. As the first entire car engineered by AMG, it was a milestone for …

subaru rally cars 2015

2015 Subaru WRX STi Rally Racecars + Outback SuperGT First Rescue Operation

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 10, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Three distinct Subaru’s here: the WRX STi for the Japanese Rally Championship, the WRX STi for Global Rallycross and lastly the custom SuperGT support Outback. The Japanese rally spec appears purest and most like the production car, aside from chassis bracing for the roll cage, a roof vent for the drivers to get some air, and a slightly taller ride height on rally-sped wheels and tires. The Global Rallycross car is interesting: it wears a much wider front-end and bumper that acts as a bit of a flexible splitter. This seems able to take impacts and also be a decent …

2015 Subaru BRZ GT300 and WRX NBR

2015 Subaru BRZ GT300 and WRX NBR Racers Pack Wild Aero Ugrades

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 10, 2015, 9 am by Tom Burkart

2015 Subaru BRZ GT300 and WRX NBR When overall power is capped by a racing series of technical limits of the engine, you have a few other routes to more speed. These include a drop in weight and an increase in grip. But what can you do if max weight and tire setups are also regulated by racing rules? The last summit to climb is then aerodynamics and downforce. Subaru has embraced this fourth route to greatness in its two new racers: the BRZ GT300 and WRX STI NBR Challenge. The splitters up front add nearly a foot of extra …

lister knobbly2

2015 LISTER Jaguar Knobbly 60th Anniversary Edition Revealed at Autosport Intl

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 9, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Recreations and replicas of classic racing Jaguars the are all the rage lately, with the Eagle Low Drag GT fetching $700,000 a pop and even Jaguar Special Operations releasing a limited run of racing E-Type coupes. These custom-made vehicles are usually the only option to own one at all. Very few racing prototype Jaguars were ever made in the 1950s and 1960s, and most were ultimately ‘raced to death.’ Pushed to the max, these cars often came back from race weekends with crumpled bodywork, torn mechanicals and need of major TLC. Most were parted-out and the shells retired to the …

Porsche 911 GT2 by OK-ChipTuning

Porsche 911 GT2 by OK-ChipTuning Adds 150HP in 90 Minutes

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 9, 2015, 8 am by Tom Burkart

It is raining GT2 Porsche’s today! For any turbo, no mod is more cost and time-efficient than an ECU reflash. Imagine adding at least 50-horsepower in the time it takes to get an oil change. Too good to be true, right? Yes. The best turbo tunes will not just work the electronics: you definitely benefit most from a more open exhaust setup. And to sustain that performance under hard driving, a chipped turbo also demands a bigger intercooler with more capacity. If the turbo is glowing red-hot from hard driving, it will lose progressively more and more power — until …

wimmer gt2 rs muscleplay

1006HP Porsche 911 GT2 RS MusclePlay by WIMMER Shows Bonkers 242MPH Vmax

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 9, 2015, 7 am by Tom Burkart

If the racing Wimmer GT2 RS previously shown was track-optimized with a jump in 80-horsepower, this one is simply for the bonkers power-fiend. The twin-turbo Porsche now puts out an astounding 1006-horsepower. The output is so immense that we actually needed to convert the metric PS 1020 measurement to US horsepower. The difference is usually negigible, but when you hit the stratosphere…. obviously what is a rounding error on the Honda becomes a difference of 16 ponies. The indicated V-max of this MusclePlay RS is 242-mph — but it would be a brave soul who explores past 220 or so! …

Porsche 911 GT2 RS by WIMMER

221MPH, 703HP Porsche 911 GT2 RS by WIMMER

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 9, 2015, 6 am by Tom Burkart

We car-guys are becoming a bit desensitized to power outputs hitting absolutely huge heights. But any Porsche 911 with a horsepower figure starting in the 700’s is still a shocking thing. This Wimmer GT2 RS was designed to go racing from day one, and the car is a model of brutality and knife-edged speed even more than the stock ‘widow-maker.’ Along with the 83-horsepower increase over the factory model’s 620-horsepower comes an even bigger jump in top speed: to a frankly shocking 221-mph. As Porsche prepares to launch its own RS 911 model soon, it is good to see that …

1958 Porsche 356 Carrera Zagato Speedster Is Worlds Only Aluminum-Bodied Example

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 3, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Zagato Classic has recreated their first-ever Porsche project here: a 356 Speedster that was lightened and made quicker for a racing customer in Paris. The tailfins are particularly delightful as functional and style-enhancing elements, as is the lower and lighter windshield. If you are thinking: hey, this Zagato 356 Speedster actually looks much more like the 550 Spyder — you are correct. The commission of a new aluminum body for the steel-skinned 356 meant Zagato could make the car as streamlined as Porsche’s most-successful racer ever (at the time): the 550. Shown below on the grass, you can see the …

atsv

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Latest Photos + Colors and Wheels Preview

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 1, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 1.1.2015 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Colors and Wheels Preview A variety of sexy new photos of the 2016 ATS-V Coupe and Sedan via CadillacATS-V.com forums, plus the official GM reveal photos. To cap it off, we have a preliminary colors guide to the six shades, two wheel styles and three cabin colors for this new set of Wonder-Twins. Whenever a fresh pair of high-performance cars’ tech specs can elicit a “holy shit!” from your scribe — sitting solo in the office — you know something amazing is coming. The ATS-V Coupe and Sedan photo and specs caused numerous swear words …

mustang gt

My Best Video of 2014 – 2015 Ford Mustang GT Track Drive Review

February 22, 2019, 3 pmDecember 29, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Track Drive Video Review Re-publishing this article from October with the new page-top gallery, and to celebrate shooting a video review that is ‘watchable.’ This 3-lap blast in a 2015 Mustang GT six-speed-manual at Autobahn Country Club is our most-watched video of all time over at http://www.youtube.com/user/thetomburkart The new Mustang GT is a real favorite watch the above to find out why! 2015 Ford Mustang GT Awww yeah! Track time with the new Mustang GT! It felt so fantastic to fire up this pony-car for the first time. Could not help but smiling even to find the new GT and …

zagato tz and tz3

Supercars Now and Then – 2010 Zagato TZ3 Corsa vs. 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 27, 2014, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

Celebrating 100 years means looking far back into a company’s roots and foundation. Zagato chose to honor the 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ. This fastback racer homage is built on the chassis of the Alfa 8C, itself a reskinned Maserati GranTurismo. Even as a third-hand rehash of another car — the TZ3 is quite compelling. Most surprising element? There are strong AMG GT flavors in the front three-quarter angle of the TZ3 — a full four years before Mercedes adopted these ultra-flowing and curved panel surfaces. NOSE PROFILE TAIL 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ 2010 Zagato …

906

Gooding Arizona 2015 Preview – 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 Race Car

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 27, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

As you might infer from the Porsche racer names between the 904 and the 907, this 906 Carrera 6 is an important pivot point in the overall design of LMP1 racing prototypes. The shift was coming year by year toward more power, more length and more speed to try and beat the high-speed Mulsanne kings of the era: the Ford GT40 Mark II’s. This 906 is much larger and more substantial than the 904 GTS, but still a minnow versus the big American entries. This design prioritizes visibility over cooling intake are and smooth high-speed aerodynamics, and that may explain …

wimmer ktm xbow gt

KTM X-Bow GT By WIMMER Is Nearly Unbeatable With 485HP

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 27, 2014, 8 am by Tom Burkart

The KTM X-Bow is easily one of the most interesting and coolest track car designs to appear in the last 15 years. But major critiques of the car have arisen regardless. Its carbon tub and frame make the car’s handling, some say, too benign and its power delivery too inert. For these hardcore drivers, the X-Bow GT and X-Bow RR need a final push to enter the true supercar level of track pace. Enter Germany’s WIMMER RST — a racing company that will also prep you a road car. The X-Bow GT shown here with the new windshield option bumps …

1991 Mazda 787B 16

Racing Icons – 1991 Mazda 787B LMP1 Winner + Rotary Engine Timeline

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 26, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

Wondered where the ‘LM55’ name of the new Mazda Vision Gran Turismo came from? That was the racing number of the LeMans-winning Mazda 787B from the 1991 LeMans. The only Asian brand to ever win overall via the LMP1 class, this is a story of a racing achievement that still irks powerhouse Toyota, Nissan and Honda to this very day. The 787B is also perhaps the ultimate evolution of the rotary engine — since its evolution beginning in 1588 as chronocles below. Reaching such heights as winning LeMans was an epic moment for rotary power, and conincided with the …

lm55

MAZDA LM55 Vision Gran Turismo Is Latest Race-able Concept for GT6!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 25, 2014, 6 pm by Tom Burkart

These VGT concepts are an outstanding presence in the automotive world. They push boundaries with a totally blank-slate design remit. Anything is possible, and it is a savory treat for the design and engineering skunkworks in every car company. Mazda’s entry is just-revealed and is called the LM55. This is an LMP1 racer to be played and raced against the absolute quickest cars in the game — and in life. It nods to the 1991 Le Mans LMP1-winning 787B racer — the only Japanese car to ever win the 24-hour race. Interesting themes throughout, and a body that (slightly) recalls …

aerotech II

Concept Flashback – 1992 Oldsmobile Aerotech V8 Delivered 270MPH VMax

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 23, 2014, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

The first Aerotech concepts from 1987/1988 aimed to launch the new Quad4 engine with a bang: via a hypercar record-breaker with amazing low-drag and lightweight design.

The two original Aerotech concepts showed exciting design ideas for 1990s GM models like the Camaro and Firebirds of 1992, plus some cool cabin tech like a clear heads-up display panel and single-seat layout.

The third goal? A really cool Oldsmobile brand builder.

This was even more sought-after in 1992.

Oldsmobile updated and revamped the Aerotech to include modern shrouded lighting, an even more streamlined design, and more pronounced Oldsmobile branding. This resulting car had a big secret under its huge canopy, too.

Instead of the Quad4 engine that achieved more than 260-mph in 1987, the AeroTech II debuted the 4.0-liter V8 Oldsmobile had up its sleeve for the Aurora launch in 1994.

The design of the Aerotech can clearly be seen in the Aurora sedan, and helped that high-priced model receive serious launch buzz as a worthy Cadillac and Lexus rival in the mid-1990s.

As a spotters guide: both the long- and short-tail 1980s Aerotech concepts lacked headlamps, while the 1992 is only a long-tail with headlamps.

1992 Oldsmobile Aerotech

aerotech

Concept Flashback – 1987 Oldsmobile Aerotech Short-Tail and 1988 Aerotech Long-Tail

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 23, 2014, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

The 1987 and 1988 Oldsmobile Aerotech concepts were a high-speed R&D showcase, branding exercise and new engine launch in one. The hypercar style of the car was a direct result of the engineering goals: to help this 160-horsepower Quad4 engine power the car to a world-record top speed. 160-horsepower? Surely that would never be enough to hit 200-mph? In fact, the car hit 267.99-mph the day before setting the official closed-course world record on 257-mph on August 27, 1987. A short-tail Aerotech ST wears full venturi air channels under a flipped-up and chopped rear end. This short-tail wore a single …

1978 Ferrari 308 GTB Group B Rally Car

RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB Group B Rally Car

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 19, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

1978 Ferrari 308 GTB Group B Rally Car Paris 4 February 2015 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB Group B Chassis no. 24783 Engine no. 01070

1952 Jaguar C-Type Le Mans Kettle Aerodynamic Recreation

RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1952 Jaguar C-Type Le Mans Kettle Aerodynamic Recreation

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 19, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

1952 Jaguar C-Type Le Mans Aero XK120-based Recreation Paris 4 February 2015 1952 Jaguar C-Type Aerodynamic Recreation Chassis no. 667255 Engine no. F 2454-8

904 gts

RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 19, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS Paris 4 February 2015 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS Chassis no. 904-026 Engine no. 99 099

mclaren m6gt fantasy colorizer

#BlackSwanMoments – 1969 McLaren M6GT – Fantasy Colorizer

February 25, 2019, 11 amDecember 18, 2014, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

McLaren is running a series of teasers dubbed #BlackSwanMoments ahead of the arrival of the newest, and cheapest, sportscar some time in 2015. We are on number 5 of 13 moments so far. They all touch on the magic of how McLaren came to be, what the company is proudest to have achieved, and how these impactful, breakthrough moments have inspired the new 2016 Sport Series of cars. It is a dark and relatively moody look back at history, racing, innovation and Bruce McLaren himself. It’s deep. Number 5 #BlackSwanMoment is our cherished 1969 McLaren M6GT, a car intended to …

fxx evo

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 17, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

This FXX Evo needs no intro. Fantastic. The one downside of buying this car will be the temptation to drive it on the roads in the USA, where it is not street-legal until 2030. A possible single-type exception might be possible depending on the state where you reside — but this one is likely to head overseas, where rules tend to be more flexible. 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione 2005 Ferrari FXX Evo RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 Lot 253 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione $1,600,000 – $1,900,000 860 bhp, 6,262 cc rear-mounted longitudinal 65-degree V-12 engine …

infiniti vgt

2014 INFINITI Concept Vision Gran Turismo – 55 High-Res Images – Now Raceable in GT6!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 17, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

The Infiniti Vision Gran Turismo is here and absolutely stellar! What an exciting design, with dozens of all-new details for future production Infiniti’s to emulate. A 4.5-liter, naturally aspirated V8 mounted mid-ship with one electric motor to extra shove — all shooting the Infiniti VGT out of corners sideways and on full blast. The Infiniti Vision GT shows a strong resemblance to the Infinti Essence concept from a few years ago, but evolves the nose dramatically to evoke the more-recent Q80 Inspiration. All of these design ideas are hopefully to be fed into the production 2016 Q60 Coupe, which is …

1984 Audi Sport Quattro

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1984 Audi Sport Quattro

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 17, 2014, 1 am by Tom Burkart

Why so many auction articles, I hear you asking. Auctions are one of the only appearances of extremely rare and coveted classics, and the photos and bios prepared as owners ready their beauties for sale are some of the best out there. Because whoever buys the car will absolutely adore it and think of it constantly, the pricest ones expecting above $100,000 are truly gussied up for the occassion. It is the equivalent of the Oscars for vintage automobiles — and this is the red carpet. Few rally cars have as much lasting impact as the Audi Sport Quattro …

proxima

Concept Flashback – 1986 Peugeot PROXIMA Is X-Rated Hypercar All-Star

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 16, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Concept cars can feel a little like X-rated movies. They are mostly a single-shot affair. One year on the circuit, and they are gone. With so much variety out there, why bother diving deep into an old one? But every once in a while… there comes a concept car so legendary, you could watch it every day and be a happy camper. The 1986 Peugeot Proxima is that concept car. Part LeMans racer, part Sci-Fi fantasy, part Batmobile Tumbler — the Promixa is a stunning piece of design and engineering even 30 years later. It was powered by a twin-turbocharged …

2014 McLaren 650S GT3

2014 McLaren 650S GT3 Scores Podium Finish in Gulf 12-Hour Season Closer

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 15, 2014, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

The McLaren 650S GT3 wrapped up its first season with a competitive 3rd place at the Gulf 12-hour race this weekend at Yas Marina. 2014 McLaren 650S GT3 Exciting race-car news from McLaren GT today! It looks like the P1 GTR will not be the only Macca out on the world’s sportscar racetracks next year! The 650S GT3 upgrade has just been revealed by McLaren GT today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Official Details below from McLaren GT. McLAREN GT SIGNS OFF THE 650S GT3 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WITH A PODIUM FINISH AT …

1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 and 1970 C111-II: Wankel vs V8 Proved Piston-Engine Dominance

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 15, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 12.15.14 Including the first two C111 prototype designs here: the C111 proper from 1969 with a Wankel engine, and a C111-II running a 3.5-liter V8. The way to tell them apart is that the V8-powered C111-II has open spaces in the rear flying pillars, while the C111-I has louvered and solid-looking pillars. 1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 and 1970 C111-II PREVIOUS The Mercedes-Benz C111 was a sports-car vision revealed in the late 1960s with a slant-nosed, mid-engine design far removed from any Mercedes passenger vehicle. It was part of the continuing quest to broaden the Mercedes brand into …

201MPH 1977 Mercedes-Benz C111-III Diesel World Speed Record Car

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 9, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

The Mercedes-Benz C111 was a sports-car vision revealed in the late 1960s with a slant-nosed, mid-engine design far removed from any Mercedes passenger vehicle. It was part of the continuing quest to broaden the Mercedes brand into new segments, in this case the supercar market. We will cover the orange-colored C111 and C111-2 models in a later article. This post is dedicated to the much-later iteration on the theme from 1977 and 1978. The original C111’s Wankel engine was shelved indefinitely by the early 1970s, and production of the car was a non-starter due to dramatic Wankel failures in Audi …

hoggar

Concept Flashback – 2003 Peugeot Hoggar Was Twin-Engine 4×4 a la 2015 DKR Racer

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 9, 2014, 11 am by Tom Burkart

Here is a fun look at a dune buggy from Peugeot more than a decade ago. The brand had long ditched its off-road-race pedigree through the 1990s, and with it any available 4×4 powertrains. The only way they could make this little cabrio a true 4×4 involved some very unique engineering. In what is a strange and exponentially more complex arrangement than a prop shaft, the Hoggar has twin four-cylinder turbodiesel engines. Both mounted transversely – with one on each end. Think of it like the noses of two Peugeot hatchback’s joined by a chromoly chassis in between. It is …

Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo 64

591HP 2014 Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo – Latest GT6 Concept in 70 Photos!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 8, 2014, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

How did we miss this!? It has been about two weeks since the amazing Subaru Viziv GT concept was revealed for Gran Turismo 6 – but seeing its details up close still quickens the pulse. We absolutely love these chiseled and chopped lines, the proportions of an ultra-low shooting brake, and the detailing throughout. It is a stunning interpretation of the ultimate Subaru track car. The tech details are a turbo 2.0-liter boxer in front, supplemented by twin electric motors in back and a single electric motor in front. The combination delivers 591-horsepower and 593 pound-feet of …

fxx k

Ferrari FXX K in 26 Amazing New Photos at Ferrari World UAE

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 6, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

Thrilling news from Ferrari this morning! The new FXX K prototype has broken cover ahead of a public debut at Ferrari World next weekend in Abu Dhabi. Upgraded for hardcore track racing that may include the GT class of the Le Mans WEC championship, the FXX ditches all nods to road legality and comfort in its chase of pure speed. The overhaul is similar in theme to the McLaren P1 GTR but the FXX K is arguably even more extreme, more futuristic and perhaps more intoxicatingly changed versus the standard LaFerrari. This brings a totally new front end with extra …

duacti 750ss imola desmo receation

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1973 Ducati 750 SS Imola Desmo Recreation

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 6, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

We just keep falling in love with the RM Auctions Arizona catalog! This 1973 Ducati 750SS Imola is a recreation of a famous racing bike — but can be ridden on the roads safety and legally. The full aerodynamic nose and windshield shroud is an amazing functional and design statement that instantly sets this bike apart from even the latest Ducati Monsters of 2014. This 750SS celebrates the 200 Miglia Imola victory by Ducati – as shown in these official photos. 1973 Ducati 750 SS Imola Desmo Recreation RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 1973 Ducati 750 SS …

356 outlaw2

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW Pre-A Emory Special Coupe

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 5, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

The Porsche Outlaws from SoCal’s Emory family/Valley Customs are well-known in the coolest vintage 356 circles. We spotted a matte black example in Amelia Island and fell hard. The Outlaw Porsches are similar to Singer 911’s — rest0-modded originals that become something altogether more special, unique and fun to drive and own. This Pre-A 356 Coupe is even more enhanced — with a serious racing upgrade for the chassis, engine, exteroir design and cabin. It is truly easy on the eyes and a joy to drive. We envy its future owner! 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW RM Auctions Arizona 15 …

mustang 1970 boss trans am

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Kar Kraft Trans Am

February 22, 2019, 3 pmDecember 4, 2014, 11 pm by Tom Burkart

In more than a few ways, the new Mustang invokes the styling of the 1970 Boss 302 more than it does even the 1965 GT350 or the 1969 GT500. The over-wide stance and race-ready upgrades of this Kar Kraft Trans Am racer are just the right icing on the cake. Expect big loot for this School-Bus Yellow Boss 302 at RM Auctions in Arizona this January 15th. Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Kar Kraft Trans Am

fxx k

2016 LaFerrari FXX K Revealed Ahead of Abu Dhabi Ferrari World Debut

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 3, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Thrilling news from Ferrari this morning! The new FXX K prototype has broken cover ahead of a public debut at Ferrari World next weekend in Abu Dhabi. Upgraded for hardcore track racing that may include the GT class of the Le Mans WEC championship, the FXX ditches all nods to road legality and comfort in its chase of pure speed. The overhaul is similar in theme to the McLaren P1 GTR but the FXX K is arguably even more extreme, more futuristic and perhaps more intoxicatingly changed versus the standard LaFerrari. This brings a totally new front end with extra …

ft1 colors new best of gif

Best of 2014 Awards – Toyota FT-1 Concept Is Stunning Design Triumph

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 27, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Update 3 11.27.14 Has there been another concept with the impact of the FT-1? We cannot think of another vehicle this year that has created more buzz. Of course, the FT-1 is just the leading edge of what many hope will become a showroom supercar in the next few years under the vaulted Supra badge. Toyota’s collaboration with BMW on a future sports-car appears to indicate the eventual Supra will be based of a version of the BMW Z4’s chassis, albeit highly modified for a possible production debut of a hybrid-R electric boost setup. Primary power is expected to come …

trd pro baja 1000 gif

2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Wins Its Baja 1000 Full Stock Class + SEMA Pro Truck Showcase

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 24, 2014, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

The lightly race-prepped TRD Pro Tundra is back from Baja — with a win! The TRD Pro Tundra jumped and roared its giant V8 the 1200 miles to the finish line in first place, then cruised home the 1000 miles back to the start line for good measure. Was it showroom-fresh upon arrival back to Toyota headquarters in Torrance? Not exactly! A huge gash in the sheetmetal and rear fender shows the fury of racing. But the fact that the TRD Pro Tundra continued on its mission is impressive. A solid achievement and vote of confidence in the new TRD …

citroen survolt gif

Concept Debrief – 2010 Citroen SURVOLT – Design Analysis in 110 Electrifying Photos

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 24, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

What makes the 2010 Citroen Survolt such an achievement in sports-car design? Consider that its proportions almost perfectly mirror those of the Lotus Exige — but the curb appeal of the vehicle tells the brain to expect pricing in the $200,000 ballpark versus the Lotus at $75,000. In terms of the Survolt’s mission as a concept car, we can think of the car in the same league as the Ranult DeZir. Part tech showcase and EV R&D tool, part brand roadmap and design superstar. The Survolt found a joyous receptionin 2010 – and four years have done nothing to dull …

ats-v

2015 Cadillac ATS-V.R Is FIA GT3 Racecar Writ Large – In Cursive!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 21, 2014, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

“…. If your hood scoop is deeper than the nearest well……. you might be a Cadillac racecar.” “…If your rear wing is wider than your mattress…. you might be a Cadillac racing prototype.” “…And if your headlamps are mostly stickers — you are definitely in the cutting-edge of FIA GT3 racecar technology…” Rejected joke… “…If you can’t read ‘good’ but can write the Cadillac script logo in your sleep — you might be dreaming of the ATS-V.R! “ =] Cadillac itself describes the ATS-V.R as a rolling, screaming and screeching testament to the ATS Coupe’s …

2015 Koenigsegg Agera One 1 gif

2015 Koenigsegg Agera One:1 Back in USA Via Manhattan Motorcars

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 20, 2014, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

Great to see the Koenigsegg crew expanding the reach of their incredible hypercar brand – both with the new One:1 and the latest distribution deal with Manhattan Motorcars. The biggest updates to the One:1 are a huge leap in power — up to more than 1350 pound-feet of torque from the twin-turbo, 5.0-liter V8 at 6000 rpm — and the incredible new downforce package. This comes from a race-ready splitter and active aero front and rear. The new rear wing is one of the most beautiful on any car of all time – with two gorgeous flying buttresses straking back …

volvo trucks fh vs koenigsegg gif

Fifth Gear’s Tiff Needell Presents – Volvo FH Truck vs Koenigsegg One 1

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 20, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

The tame racing driver — who not only drives, but talks us through it!? Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear is a legend in the world of automotive-review television programs. We are smiling watching him race Volvo Trucks new FH versus the Koenigsegg One:1 around a racetrack at full speed. The purpose of the video? To show Volvo’s new i-Shift dual-clutch automatic transmission. This is a revolution in the world of heavy trucks, which are almost all still manual-shifted these days. 18 gears, each with a low and high range means a huge amount of clutching and shifting has always been …

2029 Infiniti Synaptiq gif1

2029 Infiniti SYNAPTIQ Is Spinal Tap – Flying Racecar is F1-Fast + Off-Road-Ready

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 20, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

The Infiniti entry into the annual LA Design challenge is pretty outstanding – blending future-tech with fantasy to answer to question posed by the contest for this year: how will we interact with cars in 2029? Infiniti’s answer? A spinal lock communications system to allow thought-controlled driving and tech functions. A ‘Spinal Tap‘ if you will — and this one is just as pretend in many ways than the joke band of the same name. However, Synaptiq does offer a highly stylized version of future F1 types of cars in its circuit race setting. The flying and off-road sections of …

cc vgt 2x gif

Update2 – Best of Awards – Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 20, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

We did not know what to think of the first teaser images of the Chevy Chaparral Gran Turismo prototype. Sure, the idea of leveraging Chaparral’s Chevy engines connection was fascinating, but would the vision of GM Design really capture the innovative spirit of these amazing namesakes? After the official reveal in LA last night – we can only say Yes. In many ways, the Chevrolet Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo is the best-yet of the 20-strong fleet of racing prototypes developed for the legendary GT6 racing game. It is one of the only to actually throw out all conventional limitations …

atsv new

3.9s, 455HP 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan Are Twin-Turbo, eLSD RocketShips!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 19, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

Whenever a fresh pair of high-performance cars’ tech specs can elicit a “holy shit!” from your scribe — sitting solo in the office — you know something amazing is coming. The ATS-V Coupe and Sedan photo and specs caused numerous swear words in excitement, raised eyebrows at the amazing ducktail rear spoiler, smiles about the cool blacked-out grille treatment shown on the ATS-V Coupe, and impressed with the meaty rubber shown on the back wheels of the ATS-V Sedan. The final bit of major icing on the cake for these new executive supercars? 455-horsepower to really put the smack onto …

Iconic Classics - 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Earned $3

Iconic Classics – 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Earned $3.7M At RM Monterey 2012

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 18, 2014, 6 pm by Tom Burkart

Aston Martin classic buyers come in similar taste preference buckets as new Aston buyers: either conservative Silver and Green rule the mind, or wild shades and racing liveries. This fire orange example of a pristine DB3S falls into the latter camp very spectacularly. Emblematic of Aston’s resurgent post-war mission to take on the world’s best in racing, the DB3S is best known today as one of the most beautiful racing roadsters of all time. 1955 Aston Martin DB3S RM Auctions Monterey 17 – 18 August 2012 Lot 214 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Sports Racing Car To be auctioned on …

gt86 tmg cs r3 gif

2015 Toyota GT86 CS-R3 Rally Car in 1080P Video + 80 Photos

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 18, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

You have the hear this amazing works-prepped racer at full chat! Click the above video to HD for maximum effect…. How ironic — or at least mildly amusing — that Toyota would take the GT86 rallying before Subaru and its BRZ. But then you realize: Subaru has their all-star WRX rally hero already in place. For Toyota, the GT86 and Scion FR-S program is not just an amazing rear-drive sportscar for a new generation of drivers. It is a platform for all aspects of fun and racing, including Rallye Deutschland. Prepared by TMG and available for sale to other …

bentley speed 8

Hero Racecars – 2001 Bentley Speed 8 LMP1 Winner Laid Bedrock for Modern Flying B

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 18, 2014, 8 am by Tom Burkart

You have to hand it to the Volkswagen Group for their skillful rebirth of the Bentley brand in the early 2000s. Long mired in Rolls-Royce’s shadow with shakey engineering expertise and wobblier cars, Bentley sought greatness by going back to its roots in grand style. This meant competing in LeMans – where Bentley had dominated for a few years in the 1920s with its supercharged Speed 8 models — innovative technology that delivered crushing pace when the blowers were attached to such enormous engines. Specific output in this era was barely 10-percent of what it is today; with a …

mirai rally car gif

2016 Toyota Mirai FCV Gets Race-Prepped As Japanese Rally Championship PreRunner

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 17, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

The world’s first hydrogen racecar? Not exactly. But certainly one of the first hydrogen rally cars — that is a sure thing. As the course pre-runner for the Japanese Rally Championship in Shinsiro, this TMG-tuned Mirai is a fresh take on the Prius EV and hybrid theme. So, if the Mirai did not actually compete, what is the point? The point is that the Mirai is absolutely ready for primetime. It has been exhaustively crash-tested and this rough-course racing environment is a huge vote of confidence from Toyota in the Mirai FCV’s essential Toyota-ness: the core tenets of Quality, …

Chevrolet-Chaparral-09 gif

Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo Is Exciting Next-Chapter Concept Racer

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 16, 2014, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

Thrilling news from Chevrolet! The GM Design entry to the Vision Gran Turismo series will be a Chaparral-inspired racer called the 2X VGT. Set to debut in LA on Wednesday of this week — we are thrilled to see how Chevy has evolved the Chaparral racers’ world-beating aerodynamics for the 21st century! Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo Previews CHEVROLET TO SHOW CHAPARRAL VISION GRAN TURISMO CONCEPT 13/11/14 Boundary-pushing, Chevy-powered race cars changed motorsports design DETROIT – When racers Jim Hall and Hap Sharp founded Chaparral Cars in 1962, few could have guessed how they would shake up the …

BMW RS-M3 by RS Racing Team gif

Track Car Showcase – E90 BMW RS-M3 by RS Racing Team

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 11, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

Now here is a team after our own heart — photos in an Air Force and NASA museum!? Yessir. BMW RS-M3 by RS Racing Team UNCOMPROMISING BMW RS-M3 from RS-RACINGTEAM The in-house sport model of the 3-series, named M3, offers BMW since 1986 now. Developed and also originally produced (E 30 and E36 M3) by BMW-subsidiary BMW M GmbH, the variants of the 3-series model leaves the assembly lines of the parent company again. Their proverbial power creates everywhere a furore. On the flags of RS-RACINGTEAM Company, based in Viernheim, in southern Hessen (near Mannheim) the conspicuous letters stand: …

gt academy gif

What To Watch: NISMO GT Academy Is High-Quality, Big-Budget Reality Competition!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 10, 2014, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 11.10.14 The new season of GT Academy is online and watchable via the below YouTube embed! To celebrate, we’ve paired the episode with some of the coolest NISMO cars from SEMA 2014. Mostly, relaxing for me is commercial-free online television of some kind. Just stumbled upon the latest for GT Academy, and feel compelled to share this exciting series. Imagine a mix of a few shows like Toughest Soldier Challenge, TopGear, … and … America’s Next Top Model…. and you will get an idea of what GT Academy offers viewers. Instead of shooting or pouting, these guys train to …

testa rossa gif

Pebble Beach 2014 – Ferrari Testa Rossa Showcase Is 50-Million-Dollar Fairway

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 8, 2014, 10 pm by Tom Burkart

f-type r coupe awd

JAGUAR Confirms AWD F-Type + New Bloodhound SSC Partnership

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 6, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

We *love* the F-Type R Coupe after some time at the wheel last month — and are happy to share that this range-topper will now offer AWD traction. Truly a stunning machine with the best soundtrack since……… Top Gun? I dont know about that, but Jaguar also announced a partnership with the very-boring-indeed Bloodhound SSC world record project that has not delivered a single actual run in seven years. We are so sick of reading about Bloodhound that we even tweeted to the SSC crew that it was starting to seem like vaporware. But things are progressing, and the …