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With this year’s enduro at Le Mans in the books, when better to break the news of a past winner going up for grabs? The racer in question is a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France – class winner and third overall at the ‘59 24 Hours of Le Mans and winner of the 1000km of Nurburgring the same year.

The pristine example still sports its original race-winning red-and-orange livery bearing the number 11. Since 1959, it’s only changed hands a few times, and has been held by the same owner for decades.

Following a showcase on the Del Monte Golf Course, its first public showing since the early ’90s, chassis number 1321 will cross Mecum’s auction block at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa on August 13-14 during the Pebble Beach concours weekend, which is already shaping up to be one for the books. Details are in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Mecum]

Continue reading Le Mans-winning 1959 Ferrari 250 GT TdF on the block at Mecum Monterey

Le Mans-winning 1959 Ferrari 250 GT TdF on the block at Mecum Monterey

What you see above is a BMW 6 Series – but just barely. Since leaving Munich, it’s been transformed into the B6 by Alpina, then into the race-spec B6 GT3, and is now in the process of being converted to top-tier GT1 spec by yet another company, Aurora Racing Designs.

The motorsport concern is a joint effort by former McLaren engineer Nicholas Galbraith and former Alpina racing designer Andreas Puschel. Together they’re taking the development of the B6 GT1 off Alpina’s hands so that the BMW tuner can focus its energies on its current customer GT3 racing program. Sounds promising. We’d guess the chassis is targeted to join various Le Mans Series grids and the new FIA GT1 World Championship in time for next season. BMW racing fans should stay tuned for more.

[Source: Planet Le Mans via Motorpasion]

Aurora Racing preps GT1-spec Alpina B6

It’s the most important axiom of motorsports: If your car isn’t running at the checkered flag, it really doesn’t matter how fast you run. Nowhere is that more true than at Le Mans. The field that began with 55 cars gradually dwindled through the night. At the midway point, the #2 Peugeot led two of the Audis with the #1 car battling back from a mechanical malady. For those of you who aren’t planning to watch the race on your DVR, continue reading after the jump.

Continue reading Le Mans 2010: To finish first, first you must finish

Le Mans 2010: To finish first, first you must finish

As the cars raced into the night at Le Mans, attrition has begun to take its toll. Several of the fastest cars on the track have succumbed to accidents or mechanical failures. For those who are planning to watch on DVR, move along, the rest of you can get a recap of the first 12 hours after the jump.

Continue reading Le Mans 2010: Mid-race report 2

Le Mans 2010: Mid-race report 2

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class people-mover gets a fresh new exterior for the 2011 model year. Not only does it incorporate the automaker’s new corporate face, with the dinner-plate-sized logo in the middle of the grille, but the rear end has been smoothed out and the whole package looks a lot sleeker (as sleek as an R-Class can be, anyway). In all, we like the refreshed appearance, as it really tones down the bulgy proportions of the big R, and if you’re shelling out top dollar for a family hauler, you’ll certainly want to look your best while cruising to Costco.

Not much has changed underhood – Mercedes-Benz is still offering the naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 as well as the well-received 3.5-liter Bluetec turbodiesel. The interior gets a mild freshening, as well, and we must say, it looks like a wonderful place for long-distance cruises. Click through the gallery below to see over 100 high-res images of the 2011 R-Class.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Pics Aplenty: Mercedes-Benz releases onslaught of 2011 R-Class images

Sometimes, it’s the unlikely stuff that gets the best reactions. At a show where the supercar circle boasted the likes of a Schuppan 962CR and James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5, across the field, car of decidedly more modest origin was cultivating an equally-delighted group of fans for itself. Yes, it is the opposite of a supercar, but this ‘76 Volga GAZ-24 was easily one of the highlights of the show, if you ask us.

Wedged between a grey Facel Vega coupe and a delectable Citroen DS, the deep red Volga was beautifully turned out, with blinding whitewall tires, velour-accented seats, neat logo mudflaps, airbrushed hammer-and-sickle art on the hood, and probably the most appropriate vanity plates ever. The car was even wore its own fur hat.

When we asked the owner to open the hood for us so we could grab a quick photo, he apologetically said, “Oh, there’s not much to see,” as he lifted it to reveal the clean inline-four. “Besides, if I keep it open, no one can see the artwork!” Smiles all around as folks gathered to ogle this Cold War curiosity, which you’re just about as likely to see on the road as any of the exotics that were parked a few hundred feet away. In its own way, it’s every bit as cool.

Photos by Alex Núñez / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Immaculate Volga’s Cold War style elicits warm smiles

A little over a week ago, we brought you initial details and images of the Pagani Zonda Uno, a one-off special supercar commissioned by the Qatari royal family. Those first images barely gave us a sufficient glimpse, but a couple of fresh ones (with some sort of protective film apparently covering parts of the bodywork) and a trio of videos provide the closer look Zonda fans have been asking for.

An intrepid observer, apparently drawing no ire from the staff at the Pagani factory, managed to capture footage of the turquoise Cinque/R hybrid (as in, blending elements of both models, not a gasoline-electric drivetrain) kicking over and driving up and down the road by the plant. Follow the jump to check out the video footage, and click the thumbnails below for the fresh pair of images.

[Source: autoblog.it]

Continue reading Video: Pagani Zonda Uno one-off takes to the streets of Modena

Video: Pagani Zonda Uno one-off takes to the streets of Modena

If you thought Porsche was going to cool its jets after rolling out the Panamera, you’ve got another thing coming. A quick hit of information has crept out of a sales managers’ meeting that says we can expect a rash new models to head our way soon. Supposedly, Stuttgart is eying the creation of a new 911 Speedster with a $200,000 price tag and a 408 horsepower mill at the tail end. If true, the car will sport widebody sheetmetal and come equipped with the PDK and two-wheel drive.

There’s more. Early 2011 just might bring the 620-horsepower GT2 RS to the US. Buyers will have the option of equipping the car with carbon fiber fenders, but that will likely add to its $245,000 base price.

If that’s a little too rich for your blood, you can always opt for a widebody version of the Carrera called the GTS. With center-lug wheels, a sport exhaust and 408 horsepower, the coupe will set you back a still heady $103,100. Porsche also supposedly mulling a Cayman with the same sort of treatment given to the Boxster Spyder – less weight, more power – for around $65,300.

And what of the mighty 918 Spyder? According to the post, dealers haven’t heard word either way, but they expect a final answer by the time Pebble Beach rolls around later this summer. We’ve asked Porsche to verify the above claims, but have yet to hear back, so stay tuned.

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Team Speed]

Alleged Porsche dealer meeting notes point to many new models

Artist Jeff Koons’ special paint scheme is now the only thing that makes the #79 BMW M3 GT2 Art Car look like it’s moving. Just after starting the sixth hour of the 24 hours of Le Mans, the BMW was crawling around the track for the third time. Andy Priaulx pulled off the course onto the grass and began swerving back and forth as though he was out of fuel. Unfortunately, it was to no avail as the M3 rolled to a stop for good. The marshals pushed the car behind the guardrail and Priaulx set off on foot for the pits.

Meanwhile in GT1, the all-female team of Natacha Gachnang, Cyndie Allemann and Rahel Frey have finished their race in the #61 Ford GT as well. At about the same time the BMW Art Car gave up the ghost, Gachnang pulled over right in front of the marshal’s stand at the Mulsanne corner with thick smoke pouring out of the Ford. Gachnang, who has been limping on crutches all week, was able to crawl out of the car just as the marshals arrived with fire extinguishers. At this point, we haven’t heard the cause of the fire.

[Source: Speed]

BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans

Just four hours into the 24 Hours of Le Mans, eight-time-winner Tom Kristensen’s race almost ended after contact with the BMW M3 GT2 Art Car. Audi R15 driver Kristensen was the lead Audi at the time, running a lap down in fourth overall when he went off into the gravel at Porsche curves after overtaking the Jeff Koons-liveried BMW.

The Art Car was limping back to the pits with a punctured left front tire and drifted wide in the right-hand sweeper when Kristensen arrived on the scene. TK had to make a quick choice at speed and opted for the outside, assuming the BMW would stay inside. Unfortunately, the BMW was unable to turn in, and the Audi ended up going across the gravel and backing into the wall.

Fortunately for Audi, Kristensen kept the engine running and got a push of out the gravel. Back in the pits, the car was taken into the garage, where the crew descended upon it with huge shop vacs to get the gravel out. After two and a half minutes, fresh rear bodywork and a new wing were attached and the R15 was on its way again, another lap down. The #7 Audi is now running seventh overall.

[Source: SPEED TV]

Lead Audi nearly taken out of Le Mans by BMW Art Car

The Nissan Versa hasn’t received any substantial updates since its 2007 debut. It’s a shame, since there’s some pretty stiff competition on the market these days, especially from the likes of the Suzuki SX4, Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta. Still, Nissan adds incremental updates annually, and the 2011 model year is no different. What’s most important, though, is that pricing for the latest Versa has gone unchanged, meaning the bottom-end 1.6 Base sedan still rings in at $9,990, and the top-end 1.8 SL hatch commands $16,900, with a variety of models in both body styles in between.

Visually, nothing will change from the 2010 car (pictured), but some new standard equipment makes its way onto some trims. 1.8 S Versa sedans now benefit from an in-dash six-disc CD changer, and mid-grade 1.6 sedans now come with standard ABS (sorry, 1.6 Base, you still have to do without anti-lock brakes).

We find the Versa to be a rather pleasant little economy car, but with fresher, more attractive offerings on the marketplace, Nissan will be wise to accelerate the development of its next-generation car. Still, with an unchanged price and more standard equipment on deck, the Versa should continue to sell relatively well until a replacement crops up. Hit the jump to read the full details in Nissan’s press release.

Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2011 Nissan Versa gets priced, includes minor updates

2011 Nissan Versa gets priced, includes minor updates

We’ve grown quite fond of our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT over the past few months, but we can’t help but be somewhat jealous of the STI-tuned Legacy that’s just been released in Japan. Subaru’s in-house tuning department has laid hands on the new-for-2010 Legacy sedan (and the not-for-U.S. wagon!) to create the B4 2.5GT tS, which features a host of cosmetic and dynamic enhancements, even though the turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer remains unchanged.

Visually, the tS (which stands for “Tuned by STI”) gets a new front lip spoiler, as well as a subtle deckled spoiler out back (fixed to the roof on wagon models). New 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/45-series rubber sit at the corners and appropriate badging is applied all around. Inside, there’s a revised instrument cluster, sport seats, carbon trim, a leather-wrapped STI steering wheel and, of course, STI branding on the shifter and floor mats.

Where the tS gets good, however, is in its performance upgrades, which include a sport exhaust system, a more robust Bilstein suspension, and new strut tower bars. Because the turbocharged flat-four keeps its stock output – 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque – this hotted-up Legacy won’t be any quicker on the street. The other tweaks should make it even more poised during sporty driving, though.

While this may seem like just another juicy piece of Forbidden Fruit, we’re sure that STI has upgrades for the U.S.-spec Legacy in the pipeline. (Please!) Scroll through the gallery below to see the Legacy tS’s upgrades in detail.

[Source: Subaru via Carscoop]

STI-tuned Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT tS released in Japan

The 2010 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is now well underway and as it has been for years now, the big enduro has turned into a twice around the clock sprint. For those of you planning to watch the race on your DVR, you can come back later to avoid the spoilers. The rest of you? Read on after the jump.

Continue reading Le Mans 2010: Early race report

Le Mans 2010: Early race report

Some people attending the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance last weekend walked past this Porsche 911 Turbo, giving it nary a glance. After all, it was tucked a little out of the way, and even with its tweaked bodywork and decals, if you’ve seen one 911 Turbo, you’ve seen them all, right? Well, no. Anyone who paused long enough to read the info card owner Murray Smith placed front of the car learned that, in fact, this Turbo is more special than others. You see, it was the prototype – the first factory-turbocharged Porsche 911 road car, period.

As the story goes, it began life as a regular ‘73 911S company car driven by Porsche chief engineer Helmuth Bott. From there, it won the Porsche genetics lottery when it was sucked into the automaker’s experimental program to serve as the basis for the Turbo. As such, it became the first roadgoing Porsche 911 to get the turbo engine, along with the now-famous widebody treatment and whaletail.

Once its developmental role was complete, it became the 911 Turbo display car for the Paris, Frankfurt, and Tokyo motor shows, but the story doesn’t end there. Following a subsequent factory RSR conversion, this 911 Turbo was raced by Aussie Porsche importer Alan Hamilton during the mid-1970s. The icing on the cake for us came at the day’s conclusion, when we got to hear the car fire up and get in line for the procession past the podium. It sounded like God on speakerphone. For a 911 with this provenance, that seemed entirely appropriate.

Photos by Alex Núñez / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

This is what the first-ever Porsche 911 Turbo looks like today

With the 2010 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans now underway, here’s a roundup of pertinent links you can follow to keep tabs on the action.

• SPEED TV has live televised coverage from the start of the race to 12:30 PM EDT. They then go away for other programming and resume TV coverage at 6:00PM EDT, staying with the race right through the finish.

• Autoblog UK is at Le Mans. Be sure to keep an eye on them for reports from the race.

• LeMans.org (the official site) has news and live timing.

• RadioLeMans.com, as always, has fantastic audio coverage. Just click on the “Listen Live” link.

• Our buds at Speed:Sport:Life are live-tweeting the race like madmen. Follow them here.

• Audi is streaming live from its three R15 cars at tv.audi.com. (h/t to Blake)

• Don’t forget to download your spotter’s guide.

Got any other links that’ll help folks enjoy the race more? Submit ‘em in the comments.

24 Hours of Le Mans link roundup

Fuel efficiency has increased dramatically in the last decade, or at least that’s what we’ve been told. So it might come as a surprise to find out that six of the Top Ten EPA-rated Fuel Sippers from 1984 to present were built prior to 2000. Don’t believe it? We didn’t either, but this info comes straight from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, the authoritative source on this fuel efficiency stuff.

While some current vehicles, such as the 2010 Toyota Prius, 2010 Honda Insight and the 2006-2010 Honda Civic Hybrid, garnered a spot on the top ten list, it’s really older lightweight models like the 1986 Chevy Sprint ER or 1990-1994 Geo Metro XFI that make it obvious efficiency hasn’t come as far as we’d like to think.

Overall, Honda holds top honors for automakers with five models present on the list, while Toyota’s Prius made its mark twice. All of the vehicles on the list run with either 3- or 4-cylinder engines and five out of the top ten rely on hybrid motivation. The overall winner, the 2000 Honda Insight (pictured above), scores a combined rating of 53 miles per gallon, a number that exceeds even the modern-day Prius by three mpg.

In many cases, we’ve been mistakenly led to believe that buying a new car equates to increased efficiency, but this list clearly shows that many of the relics from days gone by can easily hold their own with the most efficient vehicles made today. However, finding a running example of some of these old fuel sippers may prove impossible and we’d venture to guess that many of them are far from safe to drive by today’s standards. Check out all ten fuel sippers in our gallery below.

[Source: Environmental Protection Agency Image: Beige Alert - C.C. License 2.0]

EPA reveals top 10 most fuel-efficient cars since 1984, original Honda Insight takes top honors

Chevygate 2010 continues. By now, you’ve probably heard all about the General Motors love/hate relationship with the Chevy nickname for its bread and butter Chevrolet brand. At first, the company seemed to be turning its back on America’s pet name for the Bow Tie brand before turning around and saying that the company downright loves it when the American people use the Chevy name, but it would be using Chevrolet in all of its branding and messaging for “branding consistency.” The whole dust-up centered around The General’s attempt to build a more easily identifiable brand in emerging markets. Or something.

Now GM’s social marketing guru Joe LaMuraglia has turned out a video featuring Sales VP Alan Batey to attempt to quiet the teaming masses. You can hop the jump to see the full flick for yourself, just beware, shaky hand-cam ensues.

Batey says that Chevrolet is one of the fastest growing brands in the world, and that for every one Chevy model sold here in the U.S., the company moves two units overseas. In order to stifle any confusion as to whether or not Chevrolet and Chevy are the same brand, the company is simply going to use Chevrolet moving forward. Simple as that.

[Source: Chevrolet via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: GM tries to explain away Chevy vs. Chevrolet debacle

Video: GM tries to explain away Chevy vs. Chevrolet debacle

Review: 2010 Toyota 4Runner faithfully sticks to the formula it helped create

The all-new 4Runner sticks to its roots by blending on-road civility with off-road capability. But is this combo fit to survive in the 21st century?

C/D: Cadillac to get new range-topping rear-wheel drive flagship

According to Car and Driver’s Jens Meiners, Cadillac is poised to get a new full-size, rear-wheel drive sedan to slot in above the forthcoming XTS – a model that itself will sit above the CTS when it bows to serve as a combined replacement for the STS and DTS.

Video: Dodge catches World Cup fever with historic new ad

Dodge is stoking the century-old rivalry between the U.S. and England during today’s World Cup match with its newest ad.

Also of interest:

• Minor updates to Mini Cooper leaked
• Vaughn Gittin Jr. RTR package available for 2011 Ford Mustang [w/video]
• Adios! Lexus SC430 to be euthanized in July
• Morgan confirms EvaGT launch for Pebble Beach
• Report: Saab talking to BMW about using Mini platform for new 9-2
• Autocar: Next Subaru STI to go diesel, rival Mitsubishi Evo going hybrid

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 6.11.10

For those planning to watch the 55 cars starting 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, a spotter’s guide is a must-have. Thankfully, Andy Blackmore has created a two page, high-resolution, full-color guide with all the latest liveries and driver lineups that can be downloaded and printed out.

The 2010 Le Mans spotters guide is available at SpottersGuide.com and Blackmore is asking anyone that appreciates his efforts to kick down a few dollars to Miles to End Malaria. The site also features guides for numerous other series including ALMS, Formula Drift and British Touring Cars. The race starts at 9:00 AM EST on Saturday with live coverage on Speed TV

[Source: Spotters Guide]

Get your 24 Hours of Le Mans spotters guide for this weekend’s race

Once upon a time, the crate engines of choice for independent sportscar-makers came from Detroit. But just as the German manufacturers have raised the mantle of the muscle car with such super-sedans as the Mercedes E63 AMG, Audi RS6 and BMW M5, so to have the Germans become the new source for niche automakers. But don’t take our word for it: just look to examples like the Mercedes-powered Pagani Zonda, BMW-driven Wiesmann GT, not to mention the Veritas RSIII and the Audi-engined Gumpert Apollo.

The latest to join their ranks? Joss Developments Limited, creators of the eponymous Australian supercar. According to reports from Down Under, Joss has inked a deal with Mercedes-Benz to supply AMG power to the mid-engined exotic. Local off-road specialist Albins will be providing the transaxle. The news of the Mercedes contract apparently replaces the in-house 6.8-liter V8 that was originally part of the plans, and follows reports that Mercedes itself was considering plans to enter the Australian V8 Supercars touring car series.

[Source: CarAdvice]

Report: Joss supercar to get Mercedes power